CVE-2023-54306
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
Deadlock Vulnerability in Linux Kernel TLS Causing Task Hang

Publication date: 2025-12-30

Last updated on: 2025-12-30

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: tls: avoid hanging tasks on the tx_lock syzbot sent a hung task report and Eric explains that adversarial receiver may keep RWIN at 0 for a long time, so we are not guaranteed to make forward progress. Thread which took tx_lock and went to sleep may not release tx_lock for hours. Use interruptible sleep where possible and reschedule the work if it can't take the lock. Testing: existing selftest passes
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Meta Information
Published
2025-12-30
Last Modified
2025-12-30
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-12-30
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2023-54306
EUVD
EUVD-2023-60498
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Mitigation Strategies

Apply the Linux kernel update that includes the fix for this vulnerability, which changes the tx_lock handling to use interruptible sleep and reschedules work if the lock cannot be taken, preventing tasks from hanging indefinitely.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's network TLS code involves a situation where a task can hang because the transmit lock (tx_lock) is held and not released. An adversarial receiver may keep the receive window (RWIN) at zero for a long time, preventing forward progress. As a result, a thread that took the tx_lock and then went to sleep may not release the lock for hours, causing a hang. The fix involves using interruptible sleep and rescheduling work if the lock cannot be taken.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause tasks in the Linux kernel to hang for extended periods, potentially leading to degraded system performance or denial of service conditions where network transmissions are stalled due to the tx_lock not being released.

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