CVE-2023-54147 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: platform: mtk-mdp3: Add missing check and free for ida_alloc
Add the check for the return value of the ida_alloc in order to avoid NULL pointer dereference. Moreover, free allocated "ctx->id" if mdp_m2m_open fails later in order to avoid memory leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-54147 resides within the Linux kernel's media platform driver specifically affecting the MediaTek MDP3 (Media Data Processing 3) subsystem. This issue manifests as a potential null pointer dereference and memory leak condition that could compromise system stability and security. The MDP3 driver handles multimedia processing operations for MediaTek SoC platforms, making it a critical component in mobile and embedded systems where kernel-level reliability is paramount. The vulnerability occurs during the device initialization and resource allocation process, particularly in the mdp_m2m_open function which manages multimedia memory management operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate error handling in the ida_alloc function call within the MDP3 driver implementation. The ida_alloc function is responsible for allocating unique identifiers for device contexts, but the code fails to properly validate its return value before proceeding with subsequent operations. When ida_alloc returns a NULL pointer due to allocation failure, the subsequent code attempts to dereference this NULL value, leading to a kernel panic or system crash. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. The absence of proper validation creates an exploitable path where malicious actors could potentially trigger resource exhaustion or denial of service conditions through carefully crafted device initialization sequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to encompass potential security implications for embedded systems and mobile devices running affected Linux kernel versions. When the mdp_m2m_open function fails after partial resource allocation, the driver does not properly clean up previously allocated identifiers, resulting in memory leaks that can accumulate over time and eventually lead to system resource exhaustion. This memory management issue creates a persistent vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers to consume system resources or potentially escalate privileges through indirect means. The vulnerability affects devices using MediaTek SoC platforms where the MDP3 multimedia processing unit is present, including smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems that rely on MediaTek chipsets for multimedia processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-54147 require immediate kernel updates from vendors to address the specific null pointer dereference and memory leak conditions. System administrators should prioritize applying the patched kernel versions that include the necessary validation checks and proper resource cleanup mechanisms. The fix implemented involves adding explicit return value checks for ida_alloc calls and ensuring that allocated context identifiers are properly freed when mdp_m2m_open fails. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to escalate privileges or cause system instability. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect anomalous resource usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices that should be adopted across kernel drivers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other subsystems, particularly those involving resource allocation and error handling in kernel space operations.