Linux Kernel up to 6.5.4 ath12k_dp_cc_desc_init memory leak

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.5.4. The affected element is the function ath12k_dp_cc_desc_init. Executing a manipulation can lead to memory leak. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2023-54016. No exploit exists. Upgrading the affected component is advised.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.5.4. This vulnerability affects the function ath12k_dp_cc_desc_init. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory leak vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-401. The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, which slowly consumes remaining memory. As an impact it is known to affect availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: ath12k: Fix memory leak in rx_desc and tx_desc Currently when ath12k_dp_cc_desc_init() is called we allocate memory to rx_descs and tx_descs. In ath12k_dp_cc_cleanup(), during descriptor cleanup rx_descs and tx_descs memory is not freed. This is cause of memory leak. These allocated memory should be freed in ath12k_dp_cc_cleanup. In ath12k_dp_cc_desc_init(), we can save base address of rx_descs and tx_descs. In ath12k_dp_cc_cleanup(), we can free rx_descs and tx_descs memory using their base address. Tested-on: QCN9274 hw2.0 PCI WLAN.WBE.1.0.1-00029-QCAHKSWPL_SILICONZ-1

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2023-54016 since 12/24/2025. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 279735 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2023-54016), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 6.5.5 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch e16be2d34883eecfe7fd888fcdb76c7a5db5d187/afb522b36e76acaa9f8fc06d0a9742d841c47c16 is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (279735) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2920). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Affected

• Open Source Linux Kernel

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 6.5.0
• 6.5.1
• 6.5.2
• 6.5.3
• 6.5.4

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

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Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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