CVE-2023-53681
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-10-07

Last updated on: 2026-02-26

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bcache: Fix __bch_btree_node_alloc to make the failure behavior consistent In some specific situations, the return value of __bch_btree_node_alloc may be NULL. This may lead to a potential NULL pointer dereference in caller function like a calling chain : btree_split->bch_btree_node_alloc->__bch_btree_node_alloc. Fix it by initializing the return value in __bch_btree_node_alloc.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-10-07
Last Modified
2026-02-26
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-10-07
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2023-53681
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 5.15.160 (inc) to 5.16 (inc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-476 The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is in the Linux kernel's bcache component. The function __bch_btree_node_alloc may return NULL in some specific situations, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference in functions that call it, such as btree_split. The issue was fixed by ensuring the return value in __bch_btree_node_alloc is properly initialized to avoid this inconsistent failure behavior.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can cause a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel, which may lead to system instability or crashes when the affected functions are executed. This could potentially disrupt normal system operations or cause denial of service.

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