CVE-2023-52644 in Linux
Riassunto
di VulDB • 01/07/2026
Based on the kernel log snippet provided, here is an analysis of the issue and recommended steps to resolve it.
### **Summary** You are experiencing a **kernel panic/oops in the `mac80211` subsystem**, specifically within the function `__ieee80211_wake_queue`. This occurs on an **Apple MacBookPro8,3 (Mid 2011)** running Linux kernel **6.6.7** with the proprietary/broadcom driver stack (`b43`).
The crash is triggered by an interrupt from the wireless card (`irq/17-b43`), indicating a race condition or invalid state in how the Wi-Fi subsystem handles queue waking after packet transmission/reception.
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### **Key Details** - **Hardware**: MacBookPro8,3 (Mid 2011) with Broadcom BCM43xx wireless chip. - **Driver**: `b43` (loaded via `irq/17-b43`). Note: The `[last unloaded: b43(O)]` suggests the module was recently removed/reloaded or is in an inconsistent state.
- **Kernel Version**: 6.6.7 (`#1-NixOS`) — This is a relatively recent mainline kernel, but `b43` support has been deprecated and is known to be unstable on newer kernels due to lack of active maintenance for Broadcom hardware quirks. - **Faulting Function**: `__ieee80211_wake_queue+0xd5/0x180 [mac80211]`
This function wakes up a stopped transmit queue in the mac80211 stack. The crash likely occurs because: - A pointer is invalid (NULL dereference or use-after-free). - Locking inconsistency (e.g., waking a queue while holding an incompatible lock). - Hardware state mismatch between `b43` and `mac80211`.
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### **Recommended Solutions**
#### ✅ **1. Switch to the `bcma` or `wl` Driver (If Supported)** The `b43` driver is legacy and poorly maintained for newer kernels. Try switching drivers:
- **Option A: Use `bcma` + `ssb` with firmware** Some Broadcom chips work better with the `bcma` bus driver instead of `b43`. Ensure you have the correct firmware installed (`linux-firmware`). ```bash # Blacklist b43 and try bcma/ssb stack echo "blacklist b43" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-b43.conf sudo modprobe -r b43 ssb wlmac80211 mac80211 sudo modprobe bcma ```
- **Option B: Use the proprietary `wl` driver (Broadcom STA)** This is often more stable for MacBook Pros but requires non-free firmware. On NixOS, you can enable it via: ```nix hardware.broadcom-wl.enable = true; ``` Then reboot and blacklist conflicting drivers (`b43`, `ssb`, `bcma`).
#### ✅ **2. Downgrade or Upgrade Kernel** - **Try a newer kernel (6.8+)**: The issue may have been fixed in later kernels. NixOS makes this easy: ```nix boot.kernelPackages = pkgs.linuxKernel.packages.linux_6_10; # Or latest stable ``` - **Or try an older LTS kernel (5.15/6.1)**: If the issue is a regression in 6.6, test with `linux_6_1` or `linux_5_15`.
#### ✅ **3. Disable Power Management for Wi-Fi** Power management bugs are common with `b43` on MacBooks. Add kernel parameters to disable it: ```bash # In /etc/nixos/configuration.nix, under boot.kernelParams: boot.kernelParams = [ "iwlwifi.power_save=0" ]; # If using iwlwifi (not applicable here)
# For b43/broadcom, try: boot.kernelParams = [ "b43.disable_powersave=1" ];
```
#### ✅ **4. Check for Firmware Issues** Ensure you have the latest `linux-firmware` package installed and that the correct firmware blobs are present: - Required files in `/lib/firmware/b43/`: Look for `firmware.so` or similar. Missing/corrupt firmware can cause crashes during interrupt handling.
#### ✅ **5. Temporary Workaround: Disable Wi-Fi** If you need immediate stability, disable the wireless interface until a fix is found:
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