CVE-2023-54275 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath11k: Fix memory leak in ath11k_peer_rx_frag_setup
crypto_alloc_shash() allocates resources, which should be released by crypto_free_shash(). When ath11k_peer_find() fails, there has memory leak. Add missing crypto_free_shash() to fix this.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-54275 represents a memory leak in the Linux kernel's ath11k wireless driver implementation that affects Qualcomm-based Wi-Fi 6 network adapters. This issue resides within the wireless subsystem of the Linux kernel and specifically impacts the ath11k driver responsible for managing Qualcomm's wireless networking hardware. The flaw manifests when the driver attempts to set up peer reception fragments for wireless communication, creating a scenario where allocated cryptographic resources are not properly released when certain error conditions occur. The vulnerability stems from improper resource management in the driver's cryptographic operations, where the crypto_alloc_shash() function allocates memory for hash algorithm contexts that should be freed using crypto_free_shash() but fails to do so under specific failure conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ath11k_peer_rx_frag_setup function where the driver calls crypto_alloc_shash() to allocate cryptographic hash algorithm resources for processing wireless frames. When the ath11k_peer_find() function fails to locate or establish a peer connection, the driver does not execute the corresponding crypto_free_shash() cleanup routine, resulting in a memory leak that persists until the driver module is unloaded or the system reboots. This memory leak represents a classic resource management flaw that can accumulate over time, particularly in systems with frequent wireless connection attempts or high network traffic. The vulnerability follows the CWE-401 pattern of improper resource management, specifically manifesting as a memory leak where allocated resources are not properly deallocated.
The operational impact of this memory leak vulnerability extends beyond simple resource consumption, potentially leading to system instability and performance degradation in wireless network environments. While the leak itself may appear minor in isolation, repeated occurrences can cause progressive memory exhaustion, particularly in embedded systems or devices with limited memory resources such as routers, access points, or IoT devices running Linux-based firmware. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Qualcomm's ath11k wireless drivers, which are commonly found in enterprise networking equipment, consumer routers, and embedded devices that support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards. Under sustained network load or repeated connection attempts, the accumulated memory leak could contribute to system slowdowns, application crashes, or even complete system hangs, making this a significant concern for network infrastructure reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-54275 focus on applying the kernel patch that ensures proper resource cleanup in error conditions. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions that include the fix, which typically involves adding the missing crypto_free_shash() call after the ath11k_peer_find() failure check. The fix aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1484.001 for Privilege Escalation through kernel exploits, as memory leaks in kernel modules can potentially be leveraged by attackers to exhaust system resources or create conditions for more serious vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns in wireless network infrastructure, particularly in environments where the affected drivers are deployed. Regular kernel updates and security patches remain the primary defense mechanism, as this vulnerability represents a straightforward resource management issue that can be addressed through proper code review and testing practices. The fix demonstrates the importance of comprehensive error handling in kernel space programming, where every allocated resource must have a corresponding deallocation path regardless of execution flow.