CVE-2023-52688 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52688 resides within the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically affecting the ath12k driver implementation for Qualcomm-based wireless chips. This issue represents a resource management flaw that occurs during the rfkill configuration process, where the driver fails to properly handle error conditions and clean up allocated system resources. The ath12k driver is responsible for managing wireless network interfaces on Qualcomm SoCs, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for devices relying on this hardware platform.
The technical flaw manifests in the error handling mechanism of the rfkill configuration process within the ath12k driver. When the core rfkill configuration encounters an error condition, the driver is supposed to release all allocated resources that were created during the initialization phase. However, the current implementation fails to execute the proper cleanup routine for core pdev (physical device) creation resources. This resource leak occurs because the error handler does not invoke the core pdev destroy function, leaving allocated memory and system resources in an inconsistent state. The vulnerability is classified as a memory management issue that could lead to system instability and resource exhaustion over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource leakage, potentially affecting system reliability and performance. When the rfkill configuration fails, the driver's inability to properly clean up allocated resources can lead to memory fragmentation, increased system overhead, and in severe cases, system crashes or device lockups. The issue is particularly problematic in embedded systems or mobile devices where memory resources are constrained and efficient resource management is critical. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions by repeatedly triggering the error scenario, leading to progressive resource depletion that affects overall system functionality. This aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for resource exhaustion and the CWE classification for improper cleanup on resource errors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling and resource cleanup procedures within the driver's rfkill configuration path. The recommended solution involves modifying the error handler to explicitly call the core pdev destroy function when rfkill configuration fails, ensuring that all allocated resources are properly released. System administrators should apply the latest kernel updates that contain the patched implementation, as the fix has been integrated into the mainline kernel codebase. Additionally, monitoring systems should be implemented to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate this vulnerability being exploited. The fix demonstrates the importance of robust error handling in kernel drivers and follows established security practices for preventing resource leaks that could be leveraged for system compromise.