CVE-2023-53677 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/i915: Fix memory leaks in i915 selftests
This patch fixes memory leaks on error escapes in function fake_get_pages
(cherry picked from commit 8bfbdadce85c4c51689da10f39c805a7106d4567)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53677 represents a memory leak issue within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically affecting the intel i915 driver. This flaw resides in the direct rendering manager framework which handles graphics processing for intel graphics hardware. The vulnerability manifests during error handling scenarios within the selftest functionality of the i915 driver, where allocated memory resources are not properly released when error conditions occur. The issue affects systems utilizing intel graphics hardware running kernel versions that include the affected code path, potentially leading to gradual memory consumption over time.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper resource management within the fake_get_pages function, which is part of the i915 driver's selftesting infrastructure. When error conditions are encountered during the execution of this function, the code path fails to properly clean up previously allocated memory pages. This represents a classic memory leak pattern where dynamic memory allocation occurs without corresponding deallocation in error scenarios. The vulnerability is classified as a memory management flaw that violates fundamental resource handling principles in kernel space programming. According to CWE-401, this corresponds to improper resource management where memory allocated during function execution is not properly freed upon error exit paths, creating a persistent resource leak that can accumulate over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption issues, as it can lead to system performance degradation and potential system instability over extended periods of operation. While the leak occurs within the selftest framework rather than production code paths, the presence of such memory leaks in kernel components can create conditions where system resources become progressively constrained. This could potentially impact graphics performance, system responsiveness, and overall system stability, particularly on systems with limited memory resources or those running graphics-intensive workloads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems or server environments where long uptime is expected and memory management is critical.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official kernel patch that addresses the memory leak in the fake_get_pages function. System administrators should ensure their systems are updated to kernel versions that include the fix, which was cherry-picked from commit 8bfbdadce85c4c51689da10f39c805a7106d4567. The patch implements proper error handling that ensures memory allocated during function execution is released even when error conditions occur. Organizations should prioritize kernel updates as part of their regular security maintenance procedures, particularly for systems running intel graphics hardware. Additionally, monitoring system memory usage patterns can help detect potential accumulation of memory leaks, though the specific vulnerability described here is contained within the driver's selftest functionality rather than production graphics processing paths. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough error handling in kernel space programming and adherence to secure coding practices as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework's system hardening categories.