CVE-2023-52763 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
i3c: master: mipi-i3c-hci: Fix a kernel panic for accessing DAT_data.
The `i3c_master_bus_init` function may attach the I2C devices before the I3C bus initialization. In this flow, the DAT `alloc_entry`` will be used before the DAT `init`. Additionally, if the `i3c_master_bus_init` fails, the DAT `cleanup` will execute before the device is detached, which will execue DAT `free_entry` function. The above scenario can cause the driver to use DAT_data when it is NULL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52763 represents a critical kernel panic condition within the Linux kernel's I3C (Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit) subsystem, specifically affecting the mipi-i3c-hci driver implementation. This issue manifests when the i3c_master_bus_init function attempts to initialize the I3C bus while simultaneously attaching I2C devices, creating a temporal race condition that leads to improper data structure initialization. The root cause lies in the improper sequencing of initialization operations where the Data Access Table (DAT) alloc_entry function gets invoked before the DAT init function has completed its initialization process. This fundamental flaw in the driver's operational flow creates a scenario where the system attempts to access DAT_data structures that remain uninitialized or have been prematurely deallocated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple kernel panics, as it represents a classic null pointer dereference condition that can compromise system stability and availability. When i3c_master_bus_init fails during the initialization sequence, the cleanup routine executes before proper device detachment occurs, triggering the DAT free_entry function on already deallocated or improperly initialized data structures. This creates a dangerous state where the driver attempts to access DAT_data when it contains NULL values, leading to immediate kernel crashes and system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and automotive applications where I3C interfaces are commonly deployed, as these systems often require high reliability and continuous operation without unexpected kernel panics.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes null pointer dereference conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with improper initialization patterns that can lead to memory safety issues. The flaw also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1490, which involves system network configuration modifications, as the compromised I3C bus functionality can disrupt system communication channels. The temporal nature of this vulnerability makes it particularly challenging to detect during normal operation, as it only manifests under specific initialization failure conditions. The issue affects systems utilizing the MIPI I3C HCI driver implementation where I3C master operations are performed, potentially impacting a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, automotive systems, and embedded IoT devices that rely on I3C for sensor and peripheral communication.
The recommended mitigation strategies include applying the kernel patch that corrects the initialization sequencing order in the i3c_master_bus_init function, ensuring that DAT initialization completes before any alloc_entry operations are permitted. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix, particularly in production environments where system stability is paramount. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and validation checks within the driver code can help detect and prevent premature access to uninitialized data structures. Organizations should also consider monitoring for kernel panic events related to I3C subsystem initialization, as these may indicate potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix requires careful coordination with hardware vendors to ensure complete compatibility across different I3C implementations and device configurations, as the timing and sequence of initialization operations can vary between different hardware platforms and driver versions.