CVE-2023-52827 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath12k: fix possible out-of-bound read in ath12k_htt_pull_ppdu_stats()
len is extracted from HTT message and could be an unexpected value in case errors happen, so add validation before using to avoid possible out-of-bound read in the following message iteration and parsing.
The same issue also applies to ppdu_info->ppdu_stats.common.num_users, so validate it before using too.
These are found during code review.
Compile test only.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-52827 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the ath12k wireless driver of the Linux kernel, specifically in the ath12k_htt_pull_ppdu_stats() function. This flaw resides in the wireless subsystem's handling of HTT (High Throughput Transport) messages, which are essential for managing wireless communication statistics and performance data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing length parameters extracted from HTT messages, creating a scenario where malformed or unexpected data could trigger memory access violations. The issue manifests when the driver processes wireless packet processing unit statistics, particularly during the parsing of PPDU (Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit) information structures. The root cause involves the direct utilization of length values without proper bounds checking, allowing potential attackers to manipulate wireless communication data to cause unintended memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of two distinct length parameters within the wireless driver's parsing logic. The primary concern involves the len parameter extracted from HTT messages, which when malformed or exceeds expected boundaries, can lead to out-of-bounds memory reads during subsequent message iteration and parsing operations. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to ppdu_info->ppdu_stats.common.num_users, which represents the count of users in wireless communication scenarios and requires similar validation before usage. Both parameters are critical for proper wireless packet processing and statistics collection within the ath12k driver, which supports Qualcomm's wireless chipsets. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where memory corruption can lead to privilege escalation or system instability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length parameters, and CWE-131, which covers improper handling of length parameters. The vulnerability's classification under the Linux kernel's wireless subsystem places it within the ATT&CK framework's TA0005 (Defense Evasion) and TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) domains, as exploitation could allow attackers to bypass security controls and gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52827 extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to achieve system compromise through carefully crafted wireless communication packets. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker within wireless range to cause kernel memory corruption, leading to denial of service conditions or potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices running the Linux kernel with ath12k wireless drivers, particularly those using Qualcomm-based wireless chipsets such as the QCA6174 and QCA9984. The attack surface is significant as wireless communication is fundamental to modern networking infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and consumer devices alike. The vulnerability's discovery through code review indicates a preventive security measure that could have been exploited in the wild, highlighting the importance of proper input validation in kernel space. The compile-time testing limitation suggests that while the fix is straightforward, the vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions related to wireless packet processing and could be triggered by malformed wireless communications or network traffic manipulation.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-52827 involves implementing proper input validation for length parameters before memory access operations, specifically within the ath12k wireless driver's HTT message processing logic. The fix requires adding bounds checking for both the len parameter and ppdu_info->ppdu_stats.common.num_users before these values are used in memory operations or array indexing. System administrators should ensure that affected Linux kernel versions are updated with patches containing the validation logic, particularly in enterprise environments where wireless infrastructure is critical. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security documentation and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that kernel space operations validate all external inputs. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running affected kernel versions, especially those with wireless capabilities and those deployed in environments where wireless communication is essential for operations. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of code review processes and input validation in kernel space, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of network drivers and subsystems that handle external data inputs.