CVE-2023-52494: bus: mhi: host: Add alignment check for event ring read pointer
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
bus: mhi: host: Add alignment check for event ring read pointer
Though we do check the event ring read pointer by "is_valid_ring_ptr"
to make sure it is in the buffer range, but there is another risk the
pointer may be not aligned. Since we are expecting event ring elements
are 128 bits(struct mhi_ring_element) aligned, an unaligned read pointer
could lead to multiple issues like DoS or ring buffer memory corruption.
So add a alignment check for event ring read pointer.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A flaw in the Linux MHI host driver could let an improperly aligned event-ring pointer cause a system crash or corrupt kernel memory. Exposure depends on whether the system uses the MHI host driver and runs an affected kernel. The supplied sources do not establish severity or real-world exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted kernel-maintenance issue rather than an enterprise-wide emergency based on current evidence. Promptly identify MHI-dependent systems and patch them through supported vendor channels. Escalate priority for operationally critical devices where a kernel crash or memory corruption would materially disrupt service.
Technical view
The MHI host driver validated that an event-ring read pointer was within the ring buffer but did not verify 128-bit alignment required by struct mhi_ring_element. Processing an unaligned pointer could cause denial of service or ring-buffer memory corruption. Linux stable fixes add the missing alignment check.
Likely exposure
Potential exposure is limited to Linux systems using the MHI host driver on affected builds. The supplied record lists affected versions including 5.13, 5.10.261, 5.15.149, 6.1.76, 6.6.15, 6.7.3, and 6.8, but organizations should obtain distribution-specific version mappings because kernel backports can differ.
Exploitation context
The record is not in KEV, and the supplied sources provide no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. They identify possible denial of service and ring-buffer memory corruption, but do not establish attacker prerequisites, reachability, or demonstrated impact.
Researcher notes
The source bundle does not provide CVSS, CWE classification, exploit prerequisites, or proof of code execution. The described outcomes are denial of service or ring-buffer memory corruption. Version data contains branch-specific commits and unusual entries, so exposure decisions should rely on vendor backport confirmation rather than numeric version comparison alone.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable Linux stable fix.
Consult the Linux distribution or device vendor for backport and package-version guidance.
Prioritize systems that actively use MHI-connected hardware or the MHI host driver.
Apply normal kernel-update restart procedures required by the relevant platform vendor.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions and distribution package revisions.
Determine whether the MHI host driver is present and used on each system.
Verify the installed kernel includes the applicable cited stable commit or vendor backport.
Review vendor advisories for corrected package versions and remaining affected branches.
After updating, confirm the corrected kernel is running.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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