CVE-2023-54228 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
regulator: raa215300: Fix resource leak in case of error
The clk_register_clkdev() allocates memory by calling vclkdev_alloc() and this memory is not freed in the error path. Similarly, resources allocated by clk_register_fixed_rate() are not freed in the error path.
Fix these issues by using devm_clk_hw_register_fixed_rate() and devm_clk_hw_register_clkdev().
After this, the static variable clk is not needed. Replace it with local variable hw in probe() and drop calling clk_unregister_fixed_rate() from raa215300_rtc_unregister_device().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-54228 represents a resource leak in the Linux kernel's regulator subsystem, specifically affecting the raa215300 driver implementation. This issue manifests as improper memory management during error conditions within the clock device registration process, creating potential system instability and resource exhaustion scenarios. The flaw occurs when the clk_register_clkdev() function allocates memory through vclkdev_alloc() but fails to release this memory during error paths, leading to persistent memory leaks that can accumulate over time and impact system performance. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the fundamental clock management infrastructure that underpins numerous kernel subsystems and device drivers.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation sequences within the driver's probe function. When error conditions occur during clock registration, the code path fails to invoke proper cleanup mechanisms for resources allocated by clk_register_fixed_rate() and clk_register_clkdev(). This pattern violates standard resource management best practices and creates persistent memory leaks that can eventually lead to system resource exhaustion. The issue is classified as a memory leak under CWE-404, specifically related to improper resource management where allocated resources are not properly released during error conditions. The vulnerability impacts the kernel's ability to maintain stable resource allocation and can potentially be exploited to cause denial of service conditions through gradual resource depletion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption, as it can lead to system instability and performance degradation in embedded systems and devices that rely heavily on the affected regulator driver. When multiple error conditions occur during device initialization or operation, the cumulative effect of unreleased memory can result in system slowdowns, application failures, or complete system crashes. The vulnerability affects devices that utilize the raa215300 regulator chip, particularly those in automotive, industrial, and embedded computing environments where reliable system operation is critical. The memory leak behavior can be particularly problematic in long-running systems or those with frequent device initialization cycles, as the accumulated resource consumption can eventually exhaust available memory resources and trigger system-level failures.
The fix for CVE-2023-54228 implements proper resource management by transitioning from manual memory allocation to device-managed allocation functions. The solution leverages devm_clk_hw_register_fixed_rate() and devm_clk_hw_register_clkdev() which automatically handle resource cleanup during error conditions, eliminating the need for manual memory management and preventing resource leaks. This approach aligns with the Linux kernel's device management patterns and follows the principle of automatic resource management as recommended in the kernel development guidelines. The fix also removes the static clk variable and replaces it with a local hw variable, reducing the scope of resource management complexity and eliminating potential race conditions. Additionally, the removal of clk_unregister_fixed_rate() call from raa215300_rtc_unregister_device() further simplifies the resource management flow and ensures proper cleanup mechanisms are maintained throughout the driver's lifecycle. This remediation approach addresses the root cause by implementing proper automatic resource cleanup mechanisms that are consistent with the kernel's device management framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 for resource exhaustion attacks by preventing the conditions that could lead to such scenarios.