CVE-2023-54054 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
scsi: qla2xxx: Fix buffer overrun
Klocwork warning: Buffer Overflow - Array Index Out of Bounds
Driver uses fc_els_flogi to calculate size of buffer. The actual buffer is nested inside of fc_els_flogi which is smaller.
Replace structure name to allow proper size calculation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability in question affects the linux kernel's qla2xxx storage driver which manages qlogic fiberoptic network adapter devices. This particular issue represents a classic buffer overrun condition that arises from improper memory allocation calculations within the driver's handling of fabric login requests. The root cause stems from the driver's reliance on the fc_els_flogi structure to determine buffer sizing, while the actual buffer allocation occurs within a nested structure that is smaller than initially calculated. This discrepancy creates a scenario where the driver allocates insufficient memory for the intended operation, leading to potential memory corruption when attempting to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests as an array index out of bounds condition that Klocwork identified during static analysis of the kernel source code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves heap allocation issues related to structure nesting and memory management. The driver's processing of fabric login requests through the fc_els_flogi protocol creates a situation where the calculated buffer size does not account for the actual memory layout requirements of the nested data structures. When the driver attempts to process incoming fabric login information, it writes data beyond the allocated memory space, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to potentially compromise the entire storage subsystem and system stability. Since the qla2xxx driver manages critical storage communications for qlogic network adapters, an attacker who successfully exploits this buffer overrun could potentially gain unauthorized access to storage data, disrupt storage operations, or escalate privileges within the kernel space. The vulnerability affects systems running affected kernel versions where the qla2xxx driver handles fabric login communications, making it particularly concerning for enterprise storage environments where these adapters are commonly deployed. The exploitation of this flaw could lead to denial of service conditions, data integrity issues, or in more sophisticated attack scenarios, full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates that address the buffer size calculation error within the driver. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant security patches that modify the structure naming convention to ensure proper size calculation and memory allocation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual fabric login patterns and implementing proper intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in the kernel patch resolves the issue by changing the structure reference used for buffer size calculations, ensuring that the actual memory requirements match the allocated buffer space. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls around storage infrastructure to limit potential attack vectors. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough static analysis and proper memory management practices in kernel drivers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation and T1566 which involves credential access through network services.