CVE-2023-53288 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/client: Fix memory leak in drm_client_modeset_probe
When a new mode is set to modeset->mode, the previous mode should be freed. This fixes the following kmemleak report:
drm_mode_duplicate+0x45/0x220 [drm]
drm_client_modeset_probe+0x944/0xf50 [drm]
__drm_fb_helper_initial_config_and_unlock+0xb4/0x2c0 [drm_kms_helper]
drm_fbdev_client_hotplug+0x2bc/0x4d0 [drm_kms_helper]
drm_client_register+0x169/0x240 [drm]
ast_pci_probe+0x142/0x190 [ast]
local_pci_probe+0xdc/0x180 work_for_cpu_fn+0x4e/0xa0 process_one_work+0x8b7/0x1540 worker_thread+0x70a/0xed0 kthread+0x29f/0x340 ret_from_fork+0x1f/0x30
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-53288 represents a memory leak in the Linux kernel's direct rendering manager client subsystem, specifically within the drm_client_modeset_probe function. This issue affects the graphics subsystem's ability to properly manage memory resources when handling display mode changes. The flaw occurs during the modeset process where display mode configurations are applied to graphics clients, creating a scenario where previously allocated memory structures are not properly released. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-401 as a failure to release memory resources, which directly impacts system stability and resource utilization over time. The memory leak manifests when setting a new mode to modeset->mode without properly freeing the previous mode structure, leading to gradual memory consumption that can eventually impact system performance and potentially cause resource exhaustion.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper resource management within the drm_client_modeset_probe function within the drm kernel module. When a new display mode is configured, the system should automatically free the memory associated with the previous mode configuration before assigning the new one. However, the current implementation fails to execute this cleanup operation, resulting in memory leaks that accumulate over time. The kmemleak report traces the issue through the drm_mode_duplicate function and the drm_client_modeset_probe function, ultimately showing the memory leak in the drm_fbdev_client_hotplug function where the client registration process occurs. This memory management failure is particularly concerning because it occurs during the normal operation of graphics drivers, specifically affecting the ast driver which handles certain graphics hardware. The leak occurs in the drm_kms_helper subsystem where fbdev client hotplug events are processed, indicating a systemic issue in how mode changes are handled across the graphics subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption, potentially affecting system reliability and performance in graphics-intensive environments. As the memory leak accumulates, it can lead to reduced available system memory, slower system performance, and in extreme cases, system instability or crashes. The vulnerability affects systems using the ast graphics driver and related drm_kms_helper functionality, which are commonly found in embedded systems, servers, and desktop environments where graphics operations are frequent. The memory leak can be particularly problematic in long-running systems or those with frequent display mode changes, as the accumulation of leaked memory can eventually lead to system resource exhaustion. This issue directly impacts the Linux kernel's ability to maintain stable graphics operations and can contribute to broader system performance degradation. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in enterprise environments where graphics subsystem stability is crucial for maintaining consistent performance across multiple users and applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53288 should focus on applying the kernel patches that address the memory management issue in drm_client_modeset_probe. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions containing the fix, which typically involves ensuring that the previous mode is properly freed when setting new modes. The fix implements proper memory cleanup procedures within the modeset probe function, ensuring that drm_mode_duplicate operations correctly handle memory allocation and deallocation. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect memory leaks in graphics subsystems, particularly in environments with heavy graphics usage. Regular kernel updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the graphics stack. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing memory leak detection tools and monitoring the kmemleak subsystem to identify potential issues before they escalate into system stability problems. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1484.001 which involves privilege escalation through kernel exploitation, as memory leaks in kernel subsystems can create conditions that facilitate more serious security vulnerabilities.