CVE-2023-53837 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/msm: fix NULL-deref on snapshot tear down
In case of early initialisation errors and on platforms that do not use the DPU controller, the deinitilisation code can be called with the kms pointer set to NULL.
Patchwork: https://patchwork.freedesktop.org/patch/525099/
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-53837 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's display subsystem, specifically affecting the drm/msm driver component. This flaw manifests during the snapshot teardown process when the kernel attempts to clean up display resources, particularly in scenarios involving early initialization failures or platforms that do not utilize the DPU controller architecture. The issue falls under the category of improper handling of initialization sequences and resource cleanup operations that are fundamental to system stability and security.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate null pointer validation within the driver's deinitialization code path. When the kernel encounters early initialization errors or operates on hardware platforms that do not employ the DPU controller, the kms pointer remains unset or becomes NULL during the cleanup phase. This condition occurs because the driver fails to properly check whether the kms structure has been successfully initialized before attempting to access its members during the teardown process. According to CWE-476, this represents a null pointer dereference vulnerability that can lead to system crashes and potential privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-53837 extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates opportunities for denial of service attacks that could disrupt display functionality in embedded systems, mobile devices, and automotive applications that rely on the msm graphics driver. The vulnerability specifically affects systems using the Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC graphics subsystem where the drm/msm driver manages display output through the DPU controller interface. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to cause system crashes or force the kernel to enter an unrecoverable state, particularly when the system is under stress or during concurrent display operations.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service through resource exhaustion or system instability. The null pointer dereference creates a predictable crash condition that can be leveraged to cause system instability, particularly in embedded environments where display functionality is critical. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, as it could potentially be exploited through kernel-level code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities. Additionally, the issue demonstrates poor error handling practices that violate security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security guidelines and could enable privilege escalation if exploited in conjunction with other kernel vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53837 require immediate patch application from the Linux kernel maintainers, as the fix involves implementing proper null pointer checks before accessing the kms structure during deinitialization. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the patch referenced in the patchwork URL provided in the original description. Organizations should also implement monitoring for system instability or unexpected crashes in display-related services, particularly on devices running affected kernel versions. The fix addresses the vulnerability by ensuring that the deinitialization code properly validates the kms pointer before attempting any operations, thereby preventing the null pointer dereference that would otherwise cause system crashes.