In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iommu/iova: Fix alloc iova overflows issue
In __alloc_and_insert_iova_range, there is an issue that retry_pfn
overflows. The value of iovad->anchor.pfn_hi is ~0UL, then when
iovad->cached_node is iovad->anchor, curr_iova->pfn_hi + 1 will
overflow. As a result, if the retry logic is executed, low_pfn is
updated to 0, and then new_pfn < low_pfn returns false to make the
allocation successful.
This issue occurs in the following two situations:
1. The first iova size exceeds the domain size. When initializing
iova domain, iovad->cached_node is assigned as iovad->anchor. For
example, the iova domain size is 10M, start_pfn is 0x1_F000_0000,
and the iova size allocated for the first time is 11M. The
following is the log information, new->pfn_lo is smaller than
iovad->cached_node.
Example log as follows:
[ 223.798112][T1705487] sh: [name:iova&]__alloc_and_insert_iova_range
start_pfn:0x1f0000,retry_pfn:0x0,size:0xb00,limit_pfn:0x1f0a00
[ 223.799590][T1705487] sh: [name:iova&]__alloc_and_insert_iova_range
success start_pfn:0x1f0000,new->pfn_lo:0x1efe00,new->pfn_hi:0x1f08ff
2. The node with the largest iova->pfn_lo value in the iova domain
is deleted, iovad->cached_node will be updated to iovad->anchor,
and then the alloc iova size exceeds the maximum iova size that can
be allocated in the domain.
After judging that retry_pfn is less than limit_pfn, call retry_pfn+1
to fix the overflow issue.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2023-52910 is a Linux kernel flaw in IOMMU IOVA allocation. A numeric overflow can make an invalid allocation appear valid. The CVSS score is high, but exploitation requires local access and low privileges. There is no source evidence of active exploitation or KEV listing.
Executive priority
Treat as a high-priority kernel maintenance item, especially on shared Linux systems. It is not currently supported as an internet-facing emergency by the provided evidence, but kernel privilege-boundary issues should be remediated promptly through normal patch governance.
Technical view
The issue is in __alloc_and_insert_iova_range. When cached_node is the anchor, curr_iova->pfn_hi + 1 can overflow retry_pfn to 0. Retry logic can then lower low_pfn and incorrectly permit allocation. The kernel fix checks retry_pfn against limit_pfn before using retry_pfn + 1.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions or downstream builds carrying the vulnerable IOMMU/IOVA code. The CVE record lists Linux affected entries including 5.11, 5.15.89, 6.1.7, and 6.2, but distribution-specific status is not provided.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, with potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No provided source confirms public exploitation, exploit availability, or CISA KEV inclusion.
Researcher notes
The public record describes the overflow and logical allocation failure but does not provide a CWE, distribution mapping, or exploit details. Affected-version data is sparse, so validation should rely on vendor kernel advisories and presence of the stable commits.
Mitigation direction
Apply a vendor-supported Linux kernel update that includes the referenced stable fixes.
Check your Linux distribution advisory for CVE-2023-52910 package status.
Prioritize shared or multi-user Linux systems where local user access is possible.
Track the referenced kernel commits in custom or internally maintained kernels.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, workstations, appliances, and images.
Compare running kernels with vendor advisories for CVE-2023-52910.
For custom kernels, confirm inclusion of the referenced stable commits.
Document systems pending reboot after kernel update.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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CVE-2023-52910 mapping review
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