CVE-2023-53498 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Fix potential null dereference
The adev->dm.dc pointer can be NULL and dereferenced in amdgpu_dm_fini() without checking.
Add a NULL pointer check before calling dc_dmub_srv_destroy().
Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53498 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's AMD display driver subsystem. This flaw exists in the drm/amd/display component of the kernel codebase and specifically affects the amdgpu_dm_fini() function which handles cleanup operations for AMD GPU display drivers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation where the adev->dm.dc pointer is accessed without proper null checking, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited to disrupt system operations or potentially escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the driver cleanup phase when the system attempts to finalize AMD GPU display operations. The adev->dm.dc pointer which references the display controller structure can legitimately be NULL in certain operational scenarios, particularly during error conditions or when the display subsystem fails to initialize properly. When the amdgpu_dm_fini() function executes without validating this pointer, it directly invokes dc_dmub_srv_destroy() with a NULL argument, leading to an immediate system crash or kernel panic. This pattern of uninitialized pointer dereferencing violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that can be triggered through normal driver operation sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-53498 extends beyond simple system instability as it represents a denial of service vulnerability that can affect any system running AMD GPU hardware with the affected kernel version. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where a crash can result in complete system shutdown or reboot, potentially disrupting critical services or operations. The fact that this vulnerability was discovered through automated verification tools like the Linux Verification Center's SVACE system indicates it represents a common class of programming error that could affect other similar driver components, making it a significant concern for system administrators managing AMD GPU installations across enterprise environments.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software development practices. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming techniques where proper error handling and input validation were omitted from the driver cleanup routine. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged as a privilege escalation vector or used to establish persistent denial of service conditions that could disrupt system availability. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level issue places it within the attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access or cause system-wide disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53498 focus primarily on applying the official kernel patch that introduces the necessary NULL pointer check before invoking dc_dmub_srv_destroy(). System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix, particularly in environments where AMD GPU hardware is deployed. The patch implementation involves adding a simple conditional check that verifies the adev->dm.dc pointer is not NULL before proceeding with the cleanup operation, which represents a minimal code change that significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement robust monitoring for kernel panic events and system instability that could indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining current security patches across all system components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the broader software ecosystem.