CVE-2023-53282
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-09-16

Last updated on: 2025-12-02

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: lpfc: Fix use-after-free KFENCE violation during sysfs firmware write During the sysfs firmware write process, a use-after-free read warning is logged from the lpfc_wr_object() routine: BUG: KFENCE: use-after-free read in lpfc_wr_object+0x235/0x310 [lpfc] Use-after-free read at 0x0000000000cf164d (in kfence-#111): lpfc_wr_object+0x235/0x310 [lpfc] lpfc_write_firmware.cold+0x206/0x30d [lpfc] lpfc_sli4_request_firmware_update+0xa6/0x100 [lpfc] lpfc_request_firmware_upgrade_store+0x66/0xb0 [lpfc] kernfs_fop_write_iter+0x121/0x1b0 new_sync_write+0x11c/0x1b0 vfs_write+0x1ef/0x280 ksys_write+0x5f/0xe0 do_syscall_64+0x59/0x90 entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x63/0xcd The driver accessed wr_object pointer data, which was initialized into mailbox payload memory, after the mailbox object was released back to the mailbox pool. Fix by moving the mailbox free calls to the end of the routine ensuring that we don't reference internal mailbox memory after release.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-09-16
Last Modified
2025-12-02
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-09-16
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2023-53282
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel to 5.15.99 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 5.16 (inc) to 6.1.16 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.2 (inc) to 6.2.3 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-416 The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a use-after-free bug in the Linux kernel's lpfc driver during the sysfs firmware write process. Specifically, the driver accesses memory (wr_object pointer data) that has already been freed and returned to the mailbox pool, causing a use-after-free read error. The issue occurs because the mailbox free calls happen too early in the routine, and the fix involves moving these free calls to the end to avoid referencing freed memory.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause kernel instability or crashes due to use-after-free memory access. It may lead to system reliability issues or potential exploitation if an attacker can trigger the firmware write process, possibly resulting in denial of service or other unintended behavior.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by monitoring the kernel logs for KFENCE use-after-free read warnings related to the lpfc driver during sysfs firmware write operations. Specifically, look for messages similar to: 'BUG: KFENCE: use-after-free read in lpfc_wr_object'. You can use the command 'dmesg | grep -i kfence' or 'journalctl -k | grep -i kfence' to find such warnings in the kernel logs.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation involves updating the Linux kernel to a version where this vulnerability is fixed. The fix involves changes in the lpfc driver to avoid referencing mailbox memory after it has been released. Until an update is applied, avoid performing sysfs firmware write operations on the lpfc driver to reduce the risk of triggering the use-after-free condition.

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