CVE-2023-53622 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
gfs2: Fix possible data races in gfs2_show_options()
Some fields such as gt_logd_secs of the struct gfs2_tune are accessed without holding the lock gt_spin in gfs2_show_options():
val = sdp->sd_tune.gt_logd_secs; if (val != 30) seq_printf(s, ",commit=%d", val);
And thus can cause data races when gfs2_show_options() and other functions such as gfs2_reconfigure() are concurrently executed:
spin_lock(>->gt_spin); gt->gt_logd_secs = newargs->ar_commit;
To fix these possible data races, the lock sdp->sd_tune.gt_spin is acquired before accessing the fields of gfs2_tune and released after these accesses.
Further changes by Andreas:
- Don't hold the spin lock over the seq_printf operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-53622 affects the Linux kernel's gfs2 filesystem implementation and represents a critical data race condition that can lead to inconsistent system behavior and potential security implications. This issue manifests in the gfs2_show_options() function where certain fields from the gfs2_tune structure are accessed without proper synchronization mechanisms. The specific field gt_logd_secs is particularly vulnerable as it can be concurrently modified by gfs2_reconfigure() while simultaneously being read by gfs2_show_options(), creating a scenario where inconsistent or corrupted data values may be presented to userspace applications. This type of race condition falls under the CWE-362 category of concurrent execution using improper synchronization, which is a well-documented weakness in multi-threaded systems where shared resources are accessed without appropriate locking mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data inconsistency to potentially affect the reliability and integrity of the gfs2 filesystem operations. When gfs2_show_options() and gfs2_reconfigure() execute concurrently, the lack of proper locking can result in reading partially updated values or values from different states of the system, which may cause applications that depend on these configuration values to behave unpredictably. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in high-availability environments where gfs2 filesystems are actively reconfigured during operations, as it can lead to service disruptions or data corruption. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a privilege escalation or defense evasion technique when exploited to manipulate filesystem configuration values that control critical system parameters.
The fix implemented for CVE-2023-53622 addresses the root cause by ensuring that the spin lock gt_spin is properly acquired before accessing any fields of the gfs2_tune structure and released after all accesses are complete. This approach follows the established pattern of protecting shared data structures in concurrent systems and aligns with the Linux kernel's threading model where spin locks are used to prevent race conditions in kernel space. However, the solution includes an important optimization suggested by Andreas that avoids holding the spin lock during the seq_printf operations, which helps maintain system responsiveness while still ensuring data integrity. This refinement demonstrates a balance between correctness and performance, as holding locks for extended periods can create bottlenecks in concurrent systems. The implementation follows best practices for kernel development where minimal lock duration is maintained to reduce contention while ensuring data consistency, and this approach helps prevent potential deadlocks or performance degradation in high-concurrency scenarios.