CVE-2023-52492

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: dmaengine: fix NULL pointer in channel unregistration function __dma_async_device_channel_register() can fail. In case of failure, chan->local is freed (with free_percpu()), and chan->local is nullified. When dma_async_device_unregister() is called (because of managed API or intentionally by DMA controller driver), channels are unconditionally unregistered, leading to this NULL pointer: [ 1.318693] Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at virtual address 00000000000000d0 [...] [ 1.484499] Call trace: [ 1.486930] device_del+0x40/0x394 [ 1.490314] device_unregister+0x20/0x7c [ 1.494220] __dma_async_device_channel_unregister+0x68/0xc0 Look at dma_async_device_register() function error path, channel device unregistration is done only if chan->local is not NULL. Then add the same condition at the beginning of __dma_async_device_channel_unregister() function, to avoid NULL pointer issue whatever the API used to reach this function.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2024-03-11 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:42 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.4 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2024-03-11 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:42 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 5.10.210
• Linux Kernel < 5.15.149
• Linux Kernel < 6.1.76
• Linux Kernel < 6.6.15
• Linux Kernel < 6.7.3
• Debian Linux 10.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.4

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-52492.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-52492. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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