CVE-2023-54010 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ACPICA: ACPICA: check null return of ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED in acpi_db_display_objects
ACPICA commit 0d5f467d6a0ba852ea3aad68663cbcbd43300fd4
ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED may fails, object_info might be null and will cause null pointer dereference later.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-54010 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) subsystem, specifically within the ACPICA (ACPI Component Architecture) implementation. This flaw exists in the acpi_db_display_objects function where the code fails to properly validate the return value from ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED memory allocation routine. The issue stems from inadequate error handling that allows execution to continue when memory allocation fails, potentially leading to system instability or exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability was introduced due to the absence of proper null pointer checks following memory allocation operations, creating a scenario where subsequent code attempts to access a null pointer reference. This particular flaw affects systems running Linux kernels that incorporate the ACPICA subsystem, particularly those implementing ACPI firmware interfaces for power management and hardware configuration. The problem manifests during debugging operations where the acpi_db_display_objects function attempts to display ACPI objects, but fails to verify that the allocated memory structure is properly initialized before proceeding with operations on it.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the memory management level within the ACPICA framework, where the ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED macro is designed to allocate and zero-initialize memory blocks for ACPI object information structures. When this allocation routine fails due to memory exhaustion or other allocation constraints, it returns a null pointer instead of a valid memory address. The code in acpi_db_display_objects does not check this return value, allowing execution to continue with object_info set to null. Subsequent operations within the function attempt to dereference this null pointer, resulting in a kernel panic or system crash. This represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-476 as "NULL Pointer Dereference" and falls within the broader category of memory safety issues. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where error conditions are not properly handled, leading to immediate system failure when allocation fails. The specific commit 0d5f467d6a0ba852ea3aad68663cbcbd43300fd4 identified in the fix addresses this by adding proper null pointer validation after the ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED call, ensuring that the function returns early if allocation fails rather than proceeding with invalid memory references.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-54010 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within kernel space. While the immediate effect is a denial of service through system crashes, the vulnerability could theoretically be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory or manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize ACPI debugging capabilities, particularly those running Linux kernels with ACPICA implementations, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems that rely on ACPI for power management and hardware configuration. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability in a privilege escalation scenario, as null pointer dereferences in kernel space often provide opportunities for more complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also impacts the reliability of systems that depend on ACPI for proper hardware management, as unexpected crashes could lead to data loss or service interruption in mission-critical environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could map to T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) or T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when exploited in conjunction with other kernel-level attacks, though the direct impact remains primarily as a denial of service vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-54010 focus on applying the upstream patch that implements proper null pointer validation following memory allocation calls. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the fix from commit 0d5f467d6a0ba852ea3aad68663cbcbd43300fd4, which ensures that acpi_db_display_objects function properly validates allocation results before proceeding with object processing. The patch implements defensive programming practices by checking the return value of ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED and returning early from the function if allocation fails, preventing the subsequent null pointer dereference. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting for kernel crashes or unexpected system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. For systems where immediate kernel updates are not feasible, administrators can disable ACPI debugging features or limit access to acpi_debugfs interfaces to reduce attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper error handling in kernel code and the necessity of validating all memory allocation operations, particularly in subsystems that handle hardware interface management where reliability is paramount for system stability and security. Regular security audits of kernel subsystems should include checks for similar null pointer dereference patterns and other memory safety issues to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code modifications.