CVE-2023-53652 vdpa: Add features attr to vdpa_nl_policy for nlattr length check
Missing netlink attribute validation in the Linux kernel VDPA subsystem allows out-of-bounds reads, potentially leading to crashes or code execution.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2023-53652?
CVE-2023-53652 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 7 Oct 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
vdpa: Add features attr to vdpa_nl_policy for nlattr length check
The vdpa_nl_policy structure is used to validate the nlattr when parsing the incoming nlmsg. It will ensure the attribute being described produces a valid nlattr pointer in info->attrs before entering into each handler in vdpa_nl_ops.
That is to say, the missing part in vdpa_nl_policy may lead to illegal nlattr after parsing, which could lead to OOB read just like CVE-2023-3773.
This patch adds the missing nla_policy for vdpa features attr to avoid such bugs.
Weakness: CWE-787
Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-53652?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2023-53652?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2023-53652 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-53652 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as BELL-CVE-2023-53652, DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53652, GHSA-j5px-w2f8-7x3g, UBUNTU-CVE-2023-53652.