CVE-2023-53005 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
trace_events_hist: add check for return value of 'create_hist_field'
Function 'create_hist_field' is called recursively at trace_events_hist.c:1954 and can return NULL-value that's why we have to check it to avoid null pointer dereference.
Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53005 resides within the Linux kernel's trace events subsystem, specifically in the trace_events_hist.c file where the hist field creation mechanism operates. This flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that emerges from inadequate error handling in a recursive function call sequence. The Linux kernel's tracing infrastructure relies heavily on histogram fields to aggregate and analyze performance data from various system events, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for system stability and security monitoring capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the recursive invocation of the create_hist_field function at line 1954 within trace_events_hist.c. During recursive execution, this function may return a NULL pointer when it encounters conditions that prevent successful field creation, such as memory allocation failures or invalid parameter configurations. The absence of proper return value validation creates a scenario where subsequent code operations attempt to dereference this NULL pointer, leading to kernel panic or system crashes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations, and represents a fundamental error handling flaw that can be exploited to cause denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-53005 extends beyond simple system instability, as it affects the kernel's ability to maintain consistent tracing functionality that security analysts and system administrators rely upon for monitoring system behavior and detecting potential security incidents. When the tracing subsystem becomes unstable due to this vulnerability, it can mask legitimate security events or prevent proper logging of system activities, creating blind spots in security monitoring. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where kernel tracing is critical for performance analysis or security auditing, as it can cause the system to become unresponsive or crash entirely during high-trace-event scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.006 which involves the manipulation of system logs and monitoring data to evade detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53005 should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that validate return values from the create_hist_field function before proceeding with subsequent operations. The fix requires adding explicit NULL checks after each call to create_hist_field to ensure that the returned pointer is valid before attempting to use it. System administrators should prioritize applying the kernel patches that address this vulnerability, particularly in production environments where system stability is paramount. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior in tracing subsystems that might indicate this vulnerability's exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections that can detect and prevent null pointer dereference conditions in kernel space, as this type of vulnerability can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks targeting kernel memory management functions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel code and the necessity of thorough testing procedures, particularly for recursive functions that may encounter failure conditions during execution.