CVE-2023-52688·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: ath12k: fix the error handler of rfkill config When the core rfkill config throws error, it should free the allocated resources. Currently it is not freeing the core pdev create resources. Avoid this issue by calling the core pdev destroy in the error handler of core rfkill config. Found this issue in the code review and it is compile tested only.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.7.2
- Published
- 2024-05-17
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.7.2
Fixed in: 6.7.2
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.7.2 or later to resolve a resource management flaw in the ath12k WiFi driver's rfkill configuration error handler. This patch ensures that platform device resources are properly cleaned up when rfkill configuration fails, preventing resource leaks during driver initialization.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Run `uname -r` to check your current kernel version—if it reports 6.7.0, 6.7.1, or 6.7.2 before the patch date, you are vulnerable
- Check if ath12k WiFi driver is loaded by running `lsmod | grep ath12k`—if present, the vulnerable code path may be active
- Review kernel logs with `dmesg | grep -i 'ath12k\|rfkill'` to identify any rfkill configuration errors or failed resource allocation messages
- Verify the patch was applied by checking `/sys/module/ath12k/version` or running `modinfo ath12k | grep vermagic` and comparing the build timestamp to your update time
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52688?
CVE-2023-52688 is a resource management vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k WiFi driver where the error handler for rfkill configuration fails to release allocated platform device resources, potentially causing resource exhaustion during driver initialization failures.
Is CVE-2023-52688 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2023-52688 is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and has no public exploits available. However, it should still be patched to prevent resource leaks.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52688?
Linux kernel versions 6.7.0, 6.7.1, and 6.7.2 (pre-patch) are affected. The vulnerability was introduced in the 6.7 development branch and fixed in 6.7.2.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52688?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version. If it reports 6.7.0 or 6.7.1, verify ath12k is loaded with `lsmod | grep ath12k`. Both conditions indicate vulnerability.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52688?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2023-52688 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
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