CVE-2023-53251

Description

From CVE.org

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: iwlwifi: pcie: fix NULL pointer dereference in iwl_pcie_irq_rx_msix_handler() rxq can be NULL only when trans_pcie->rxq is NULL and entry->entry is zero. For the case when entry->entry is not equal to 0, rxq won't be NULL even if trans_pcie->rxq is NULL. Modify checker to check for trans_pcie->rxq.

Statement

The bug is a NULL pointer dereference in the iwlwifi MSI-X RX interrupt handler during early init races, leading to a kernel crash (DoS). There is no practical remote trigger: it depends on driver/device initialization timing.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details

Info alert:Important note

CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).

The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.

CVSS v3 Score Breakdown

Red HatNVDcve.org
Base Score5.15.55.5
Attack VectorLocalLocalLocal
Attack ComplexityHighLowLow
Privileges RequiredNoneLowLow
User InteractionNoneNoneNone
ScopeUnchangedUnchangedUnchanged
ConfidentialityNoneNoneNone
Integrity ImpactNoneNoneNone
Availability ImpactHighHighHigh

Vector

Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Availability

Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart

NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.

Integrity,Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory

In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

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