CVE-2023-53010 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
bnxt: Do not read past the end of test names
Test names were being concatenated based on a offset beyond the end of the first name, which tripped the buffer overflow detection logic:
detected buffer overflow in strnlen [...]
Call Trace: bnxt_ethtool_init.cold+0x18/0x18
Refactor struct hwrm_selftest_qlist_output to use an actual array, and adjust the concatenation to use snprintf() rather than a series of strncat() calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53010 resides within the Linux kernel's bnxt driver implementation, specifically affecting the ethernet test name handling functionality. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition that could potentially lead to system instability or unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability manifests in the way test names are processed during the self-test listing operation, where the driver attempts to concatenate multiple test name strings into a single output buffer. The flaw occurs when the driver calculates an offset that extends beyond the bounds of the initial test name buffer, triggering kernel-level buffer overflow detection mechanisms and ultimately causing system crashes or denial of service conditions.
The technical root cause stems from improper string manipulation practices within the hwrm_selftest_qlist_output structure handling. The original implementation relied on a series of strncat() function calls to concatenate test names, which created a dangerous scenario where the offset calculation could extend beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The kernel's built-in buffer overflow detection identified the issue through the strnlen function call, indicating that the memory access pattern exceeded safe boundaries and triggered the kernel's security mitigation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it affects the reliability and stability of network operations within systems utilizing the bnxt driver. When the buffer overflow occurs during the ethtool initialization process, it can cause the entire network subsystem to become unresponsive or crash entirely, affecting network connectivity for critical infrastructure components. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where reliable network operations are essential, as network interface failures can cascade into broader system stability issues. The specific error trace pointing to bnxt_ethtool_init.cold+0x18/0x18 indicates that the issue occurs during the driver's initialization phase, making it particularly dangerous as it can prevent proper system boot or network interface activation. The vulnerability also represents a potential attack vector for privilege escalation attacks, as the buffer overflow could theoretically be exploited to execute arbitrary code within kernel space, though such exploitation would require sophisticated attack techniques and specific system conditions.
The resolution for CVE-2023-53010 involves a complete refactoring of the hwrm_selftest_qlist_output structure to implement proper array-based handling rather than the problematic string concatenation approach. The fix specifically mandates the replacement of multiple strncat() calls with a single snprintf() function call, which provides better bounds checking and prevents the overflow condition from occurring. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as it addresses the underlying code pattern that could enable malicious code execution through buffer overflow exploitation. The mitigation strategy follows secure coding practices recommended by the CERT/CC secure coding standards, particularly focusing on preventing buffer overflows through proper string handling and memory management. System administrators should prioritize applying this kernel patch as it directly addresses a known vulnerability that could be exploited to compromise system integrity and network availability, with the fix being essential for maintaining the security posture of Linux-based systems utilizing bnxt network interfaces.