CVE-2023-53675 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
scsi: ses: Fix possible desc_ptr out-of-bounds accesses
Sanitize possible desc_ptr out-of-bounds accesses in ses_enclosure_data_process().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53675 resides within the Linux kernel's SCSI subsystem, specifically affecting the SCSI Enclosure Services (SES) implementation. This flaw manifests in the ses_enclosure_data_process() function which handles processing of enclosure data structures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking on descriptor pointer operations, creating potential out-of-bounds memory access conditions that could be exploited by malicious actors. The issue affects systems utilizing SCSI storage arrays and enclosure management functionality where SES protocols are implemented.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient validation of descriptor pointer values within the SES enclosure data processing routine. When the system processes enclosure information from SCSI devices, the desc_ptr variable is manipulated without proper bounds checking mechanisms. This allows for potential pointer arithmetic operations that could exceed the allocated memory boundaries of the descriptor array. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices and buffer bounds. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during normal operational processing of storage enclosure data, meaning legitimate system operations could trigger the out-of-bounds access.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-53675 extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling privilege escalation and system instability. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to cause kernel memory corruption, leading to system crashes, data loss, or in more sophisticated scenarios, arbitrary code execution within kernel space. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels that implement SCSI SES functionality, particularly those managing enterprise storage arrays, RAID controllers, and storage enclosures. Given that SES is commonly used in data center environments for monitoring and managing storage hardware, the potential for widespread impact across enterprise infrastructure exists. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the exploitation of system vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates to patched versions that include proper bounds checking for descriptor pointer operations. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches from their respective Linux distributions, particularly those addressing the SCSI subsystem and SES implementation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual system behavior or kernel oops messages that might indicate memory corruption events. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit potential attack vectors, while regular system integrity checks using tools like AIDE or Tripwire can help detect unauthorized modifications. The fix implemented in patched kernels ensures that descriptor pointer values are validated against array boundaries before any memory access operations occur, preventing the out-of-bounds conditions that previously allowed for exploitation. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.