CVE-2023-53255 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
firmware: stratix10-svc: Fix a potential resource leak in svc_create_memory_pool()
svc_create_memory_pool() is only called from stratix10_svc_drv_probe(). Most of resources in the probe are managed, but not this memremap() call.
There is also no memunmap() call in the file.
So switch to devm_memremap() to avoid a resource leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53255 resides within the Linux kernel's firmware subsystem, specifically affecting the stratix10-svc driver implementation. This issue represents a classic resource management flaw that can lead to system instability and potential denial of service conditions. The stratix10-svc driver is responsible for managing firmware services for Intel Stratix 10 series devices, which are commonly found in field-programmable gate arrays and related embedded systems. The vulnerability manifests in how memory resources are allocated and managed during driver initialization, creating a scenario where system resources can become permanently consumed without proper cleanup mechanisms.
The technical flaw occurs within the svc_create_memory_pool() function which is invoked exclusively during the driver probe phase through stratix10_svc_drv_probe(). While the majority of resources allocated during the probe operation are properly managed through conventional kernel resource management patterns, the memremap() system call within svc_create_memory_pool() presents a critical oversight. This specific memory mapping operation lacks corresponding cleanup functionality, as there are no accompanying memunmap() calls present within the same source file. The absence of proper resource cleanup creates a memory leak scenario where allocated memory mappings persist beyond their intended lifecycle, potentially leading to gradual resource exhaustion over time. This pattern aligns with CWE-404, which describes improper resource release or cleanup, and specifically relates to improper handling of memory mapping operations within kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption issues, as it can compromise system stability and availability in embedded environments where resources are constrained. When the driver initializes successfully but fails to properly release memory mappings, subsequent driver operations or system reboots may encounter resource exhaustion conditions that can cause system crashes or prevent proper device functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in production embedded systems where the driver may be loaded repeatedly or where system uptime is critical. Attackers could potentially exploit this resource leak by repeatedly loading and unloading the affected driver, causing progressive degradation of system performance until complete service disruption occurs. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers resource exhaustion attacks targeting system resources through improper memory management.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper device-managed memory mapping through the devm_memremap() function instead of the standard memremap() call. This change ensures that memory mappings are automatically cleaned up when the device is removed or during system shutdown, following the established kernel pattern for device-managed resources. The devm_memremap() function integrates with the kernel's device management framework, automatically associating memory mappings with device lifecycle events and ensuring proper cleanup. This approach addresses the root cause by eliminating the resource leak through proper kernel resource management patterns. The fix also aligns with the kernel's broader strategy for managing device resources through the devm_* family of functions, which provide automatic cleanup semantics and reduce the likelihood of similar issues in other driver implementations. This remediation approach not only resolves the immediate vulnerability but also establishes a more robust pattern for future driver development within the Linux kernel ecosystem.