CVE-2023-53992 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: cfg80211: ocb: don't leave if not joined
If there's no OCB state, don't ask the driver/mac80211 to leave, since that's just confusing. Since set/clear the chandef state, that's a simple check.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2026
This vulnerability resides within the Linux kernel's wireless subsystem, specifically affecting the cfg80211 configuration interface that manages wireless device operations. The issue manifests in the Opportunistic Channel Bonding (OCB) implementation where improper state management leads to confusing driver interactions. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper state validation before attempting to execute leave operations on wireless channels. When the system attempts to leave an OCB state that does not exist, it generates unnecessary and potentially problematic interactions with the underlying driver and mac80211 subsystem, creating operational confusion and potential instability in wireless connectivity management.
The technical flaw represents a classic race condition and state management error within the wireless configuration framework. The OCB mode requires specific channel definition states to be properly maintained, yet the code fails to validate whether such state exists before attempting to clear or unset channel definitions. This condition creates a scenario where the system attempts to perform operations on non-existent wireless channel states, leading to inconsistent behavior in the wireless subsystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where improper state handling can lead to system instability, driver crashes, or unexpected wireless behavior that affects network connectivity and security operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple connectivity issues to potentially compromise wireless security and system stability. When the kernel incorrectly attempts to leave OCB states that do not exist, it can cause the wireless subsystem to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to denial of service conditions or improper network state management. This type of vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt wireless communications or create conditions that allow for more sophisticated attacks. The issue affects any system running Linux kernel versions that include the affected cfg80211 implementation and could particularly impact enterprise wireless networks or devices that rely heavily on OCB mode for specific wireless operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the appropriate kernel security patches that implement proper state validation before channel definition operations. The fix involves adding a simple but crucial check to verify OCB state existence before attempting to manipulate channel definitions, thereby preventing the confusing driver interactions that characterize this vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the resolved patch, particularly in environments where wireless connectivity is critical or where security compliance requirements mandate timely vulnerability remediation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual wireless behavior patterns that might indicate this vulnerability's exploitation, as the confusion it creates in driver interactions could manifest as intermittent connectivity issues or unexpected wireless device reconfigurations that are difficult to diagnose without proper kernel-level analysis.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which addresses concurrent execution using a shared resource, and represents a race condition in wireless state management. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and persistence mechanisms, though more specifically it impacts wireless network configuration and management. The fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices by implementing pre-condition validation before state transitions, which aligns with secure coding principles and helps prevent cascading failures in kernel subsystems. This type of vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough testing in kernel space operations, particularly for wireless subsystems where improper state management can have widespread impacts on network security and availability.