CVE-2023-54152 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
can: j1939: prevent deadlock by moving j1939_sk_errqueue()
This commit addresses a deadlock situation that can occur in certain scenarios, such as when running data TP/ETP transfer and subscribing to the error queue while receiving a net down event. The deadlock involves locks in the following order:
3 j1939_session_list_lock -> active_session_list_lock j1939_session_activate ... j1939_sk_queue_activate_next -> sk_session_queue_lock ... j1939_xtp_rx_eoma_one
2 j1939_sk_queue_drop_all -> sk_session_queue_lock ... j1939_sk_netdev_event_netdown -> j1939_socks_lock j1939_netdev_notify
1 j1939_sk_errqueue -> j1939_socks_lock __j1939_session_cancel -> active_session_list_lock j1939_tp_rxtimer
CPU0 CPU1 ---- ---- lock(&priv->active_session_list_lock); lock(&jsk->sk_session_queue_lock); lock(&priv->active_session_list_lock); lock(&priv->j1939_socks_lock);
The solution implemented in this commit is to move the j1939_sk_errqueue() call out of the active_session_list_lock context, thus preventing the deadlock situation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-54152 represents a critical deadlock condition within the Linux kernel's J1939 CAN protocol implementation that can lead to system unresponsiveness and denial of service. This issue specifically affects the J1939 socket error queue handling mechanism, where concurrent access patterns create a circular dependency between multiple kernel locks. The problem manifests during data transfer operations using Transport Protocol/Extended Transfer Protocol (TP/ETP) when applications subscribe to error queue notifications while simultaneously experiencing network down events. The deadlock occurs through a complex interplay of lock ordering dependencies that violates the kernel's locking hierarchy principles.
The technical flaw stems from improper lock ordering within the J1939 subsystem where the j1939_sk_errqueue() function executes within the context of active_session_list_lock, creating a potential circular wait condition. When a network down event occurs, the system attempts to acquire locks in the sequence: j1939_session_list_lock, active_session_list_lock, sk_session_queue_lock, and finally j1939_socks_lock. However, concurrent operations can cause the same locks to be acquired in reverse order, leading to a classic deadlock scenario. The specific execution pattern shows that CPU0 acquires active_session_list_lock while CPU1 holds sk_session_queue_lock and attempts to acquire active_session_list_lock, creating an unavoidable circular dependency that halts system operations.
This vulnerability directly impacts the operational stability of systems relying on J1939 CAN communication protocols, particularly in industrial automation, automotive systems, and embedded devices where real-time communication is critical. The deadlock condition can cause complete system freezes or application hangs, making it particularly dangerous in safety-critical environments where continuous operation is mandatory. The issue affects any system running Linux kernels with J1939 support that handles concurrent data transfers and error queue subscriptions during network events, potentially leading to extended downtime and service disruption.
The mitigation strategy implemented in this commit involves restructuring the j1939_sk_errqueue() function to execute outside the active_session_list_lock context, thereby breaking the circular dependency. This approach aligns with established kernel development practices for deadlock prevention and follows the principle of minimizing lock scope to reduce contention opportunities. The fix addresses the fundamental issue by ensuring that error queue processing does not block critical session management operations, allowing the system to maintain proper lock ordering and prevent the circular wait condition. This solution maintains the functional integrity of the J1939 protocol while eliminating the risk of system-wide deadlock scenarios that could otherwise compromise operational reliability.
This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-362 (Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Unprotected Shared Data) and CWE-367 (Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use) as it involves improper synchronization of concurrent access to shared kernel resources. From an ATT&CK perspective, this represents a denial of service vector that could be exploited by adversaries to disrupt system availability, potentially affecting industrial control systems and automotive networks where J1939 protocol compliance is essential. The fix maintains backward compatibility while strengthening the kernel's resilience against race conditions and lock contention scenarios that are common in high-concurrency networking environments.