CVE-2023-52853 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
hid: cp2112: Fix duplicate workqueue initialization
Previously the cp2112 driver called INIT_DELAYED_WORK within cp2112_gpio_irq_startup, resulting in duplicate initilizations of the workqueue on subsequent IRQ startups following an initial request. This resulted in a warning in set_work_data in workqueue.c, as well as a rare NULL dereference within process_one_work in workqueue.c.
Initialize the workqueue within _probe instead.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-52853 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, specifically within the cp2112 driver that manages Silicon Labs CP2112 USB-to-Serial converters. This issue manifests as a duplicate workqueue initialization problem that occurs during interrupt handling operations, creating potential system instability and security concerns. The vulnerability arises from improper initialization sequencing within the driver's interrupt startup routine, which directly impacts the kernel's workqueue management system and can lead to unpredictable behavior in embedded systems and devices utilizing this hardware interface.
The technical flaw stems from the cp2112 driver's implementation where INIT_DELAYED_WORK is invoked within the cp2112_gpio_irq_startup function rather than during the proper device probe phase. This incorrect placement causes the workqueue to be initialized multiple times during subsequent interrupt startup operations, creating a race condition within the kernel's workqueue subsystem. When the workqueue is initialized repeatedly, the set_work_data function in workqueue.c generates warnings due to conflicting work data assignments, while the process_one_work function may encounter rare NULL pointer dereferences that can potentially crash the kernel or allow privilege escalation. This pattern aligns with CWE-691, which addresses insufficient control flow management and improper initialization sequences in kernel drivers, and represents a classic example of improper resource management within kernel space code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system warnings to potentially compromise system stability and security in environments where cp2112 devices are actively used. Devices utilizing this driver may experience intermittent failures, system crashes, or unpredictable behavior during interrupt handling operations, particularly in embedded systems where such hardware interfaces are common. The NULL dereference scenario could be exploited by malicious actors to achieve privilege escalation or denial of service conditions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for industrial control systems, IoT devices, and embedded platforms that rely on the cp2112 USB-to-Serial converter. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions where the cp2112 driver is present and actively utilized for GPIO interrupt handling operations.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to a patched kernel version where the workqueue initialization has been moved from the cp2112_gpio_irq_startup function to the _probe function during device initialization. This change ensures that the workqueue is properly initialized only once during the device probe phase, eliminating the duplicate initialization issue that leads to the warning messages and potential NULL dereferences. System administrators should also implement monitoring for workqueue-related kernel warnings and consider disabling cp2112 driver functionality if the specific hardware interface is not required. The fix directly addresses ATT&CK technique T1068 by preventing privilege escalation through kernel-level resource management flaws, and aligns with the principle of least privilege by ensuring proper initialization sequences in kernel drivers. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their regular security maintenance procedures, particularly in environments where system stability and security are paramount considerations.