CVE-2023-52819 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd: Fix UBSAN array-index-out-of-bounds for Polaris and Tonga
For pptable structs that use flexible array sizes, use flexible arrays.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52819 represents a critical array index out-of-bounds condition within the AMD display driver subsystem of the Linux kernel. This issue specifically affects the drm/amd driver component responsible for handling display power tables and related hardware configuration data for AMD graphics processors. The vulnerability manifests when processing power table structures that utilize flexible array sizes, creating a scenario where memory access operations exceed allocated array boundaries. This type of error falls under the category of memory safety violations that can lead to system instability, potential privilege escalation, or denial of service conditions.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of flexible array structures within the power table (pptable) implementation for Polaris and Tonga generation AMD graphics hardware. When the kernel processes these power table structures, it fails to properly validate array indices against the actual size of flexible arrays, resulting in out-of-bounds memory access. This condition is particularly dangerous because it occurs during normal driver operation when processing hardware configuration data, making it exploitable through legitimate system usage. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that directly relates to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The Universal Sanitizer (UBSAN) detection mechanism specifically flagged this issue, indicating that the kernel's static analysis tools identified the problematic memory access pattern during compilation or runtime execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52819 extends beyond simple system instability, potentially creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks and system compromise. When the driver encounters malformed or unexpected power table data, the out-of-bounds access can corrupt adjacent memory regions, leading to unpredictable behavior that may allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics hardware, particularly those utilizing Polaris and Tonga GPU architectures, which were widely deployed in consumer and enterprise computing environments. The attack surface is significant as it involves the display driver subsystem, which is essential for normal system operation and interacts with both user-space applications and kernel-level hardware management components. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, and T1547, which addresses kernel-level persistence mechanisms that could be leveraged through such memory corruption flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52819 focus primarily on applying the official kernel patch that implements proper flexible array handling for power table structures. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the fix, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure date. The patch implementation specifically addresses the use of flexible arrays by ensuring proper bounds checking and array size validation before memory access operations. Additional defensive measures include monitoring system logs for unusual display driver behavior, implementing kernel module integrity checking mechanisms, and maintaining regular system updates to address similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce the exploitability of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities. The fix demonstrates proper secure coding practices by incorporating bounds validation and flexible array size checking that prevents the array-index-out-of-bounds condition from occurring during normal system operation.