CVE-2023-53446

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: PCI/ASPM: Disable ASPM on MFD function removal to avoid use-after-free Struct pcie_link_state->downstream is a pointer to the pci_dev of function 0. Previously we retained that pointer when removing function 0, and subsequent ASPM policy changes dereferenced it, resulting in a use-after-free warning from KASAN, e.g.: # echo 1 > /sys/bus/pci/devices/0000:03:00.0/remove # echo powersave > /sys/module/pcie_aspm/parameters/policy BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in pcie_config_aspm_link+0x42d/0x500 Call Trace: kasan_report+0xae/0xe0 pcie_config_aspm_link+0x42d/0x500 pcie_aspm_set_policy+0x8e/0x1a0 param_attr_store+0x162/0x2c0 module_attr_store+0x3e/0x80 PCIe spec r6.0, sec 7.5.3.7, recommends that software program the same ASPM Control value in all functions of multi-function devices. Disable ASPM and free the pcie_link_state when any child function is removed so we can discard the dangling pcie_link_state->downstream pointer and maintain the same ASPM Control configuration for all functions. [bhelgaas: commit log and comment]

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2025-09-18 16:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:45 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2025-09-18 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:45 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-416 · Use after free

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 5.4.251
• Linux Kernel < 5.10.188
• Linux Kernel < 5.15.121
• Linux Kernel < 6.1.39
• Linux Kernel < 6.3.13
• Linux Kernel < 6.4.4

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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-2023-53446.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-53446. 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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