CVE-2023-53013 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ptdma: pt_core_execute_cmd() should use spinlock
The interrupt handler (pt_core_irq_handler()) of the ptdma driver can be called from interrupt context. The code flow in this function can lead down to pt_core_execute_cmd() which will attempt to grab a mutex, which is not appropriate in interrupt context and ultimately leads to a kernel panic. The fix here changes this mutex to a spinlock, which has been verified to resolve the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53013 affects the Linux kernel's ptdma driver component, specifically within the pt_core_execute_cmd() function. This represents a critical concurrency issue that arises from improper synchronization mechanisms being used in interrupt context. The ptdma driver is responsible for handling peripheral transfer DMA operations, which are essential for efficient data movement between hardware devices and system memory. When the interrupt handler pt_core_irq_handler() is invoked, it operates in interrupt context where certain kernel primitives are prohibited due to the real-time constraints and potential for deadlock situations.
The technical flaw stems from the use of a mutex within the interrupt handler's code path that leads to pt_core_execute_cmd(). In Linux kernel development, mutexes are designed for use in process context where the kernel can sleep and wait for resources. However, interrupt handlers must execute atomically and cannot sleep or block, as they operate in a context where the system cannot perform other operations until the interrupt is fully processed. This fundamental mismatch between synchronization primitive and execution context creates a dangerous scenario that can result in system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests as a kernel panic when the interrupt handler attempts to acquire a mutex from interrupt context. The kernel panic occurs because the mutex acquisition fails due to the inappropriate context, leading to a complete system crash that requires manual reboot. This vulnerability affects systems utilizing the ptdma driver, particularly those implementing peripheral transfer DMA functionality, and represents a denial-of-service risk that can compromise system availability and reliability. The issue is particularly concerning in embedded systems or real-time applications where system stability is paramount.
The fix implemented addresses this vulnerability by replacing the mutex with a spinlock within the pt_core_execute_cmd() function. Spinlocks are specifically designed for use in interrupt context and provide the necessary synchronization without blocking or sleeping. This change ensures that the synchronization mechanism can operate correctly within the constraints of interrupt handling while maintaining the required atomicity for concurrent access to shared resources. The solution aligns with kernel development best practices and follows the principle of using appropriate synchronization primitives for their intended execution contexts. This remediation resolves the kernel panic issue and restores system stability while maintaining the driver's functionality.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-367, which specifically addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) errors and improper locking scenarios. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which involves network denial of service attacks through kernel-level vulnerabilities. The fix demonstrates proper kernel programming practices by ensuring that synchronization mechanisms are appropriate for their execution context, preventing potential exploitation through denial-of-service attacks that could compromise system availability. The resolution reinforces fundamental kernel security principles and demonstrates the importance of context-aware programming in kernel space development.