CVE-2023-53351: drm/sched: Check scheduler work queue before calling timeout handling
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/sched: Check scheduler work queue before calling timeout handling
During an IGT GPU reset test we see again oops despite of
commit 0c8c901aaaebc9 (drm/sched: Check scheduler ready before calling
timeout handling).
It uses ready condition whether to call drm_sched_fault which unwind
the TDR leads to GPU reset.
However it looks the ready condition is overloaded with other meanings,
for example, for the following stack is related GPU reset :
0 gfx_v9_0_cp_gfx_start
1 gfx_v9_0_cp_gfx_resume
2 gfx_v9_0_cp_resume
3 gfx_v9_0_hw_init
4 gfx_v9_0_resume
5 amdgpu_device_ip_resume_phase2
does the following:
/* start the ring */
gfx_v9_0_cp_gfx_start(adev);
ring->sched.ready = true;
The same approach is for other ASICs as well :
gfx_v8_0_cp_gfx_resume
gfx_v10_0_kiq_resume, etc...
As a result, our GPU reset test causes GPU fault which calls unconditionally gfx_v9_0_fault
and then drm_sched_fault. However now it depends on whether the interrupt service routine
drm_sched_fault is executed after gfx_v9_0_cp_gfx_start is completed which sets the ready
field of the scheduler to true even for uninitialized schedulers and causes oops vs
no fault or when ISR drm_sched_fault is completed prior gfx_v9_0_cp_gfx_start and
NULL pointer dereference does not occur.
Use the field timeout_wq to prevent oops for uninitialized schedulers.
The field could be initialized by the work queue of resetting the domain.
v1: Corrections to commit message (Luben)
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel flaw can crash an affected system through a GPU scheduler reset path, creating a denial-of-service risk. The public record describes an oops during GPU reset testing, not data theft or privilege escalation.
Executive priority
Treat as a moderate availability risk. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, with faster action for shared GPU systems where a local user-triggered crash could disrupt operations.
Technical view
The DRM scheduler could call timeout/fault handling for an uninitialized scheduler because the ready flag was overloaded. The fix checks the timeout work queue state before timeout handling, avoiding a NULL pointer dereference during GPU reset paths.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with DRM/GPU scheduler paths in use. The CVSS vector requires local, low-privileged access and has high availability impact only.
Exploitation context
No CISA KEV listing or cited source indicates active exploitation. The described evidence is an IGT GPU reset test causing an oops, so real-world exploitation evidence is incomplete.
Researcher notes
The record ties the issue to Linux DRM scheduler timeout handling and GPU reset paths. Affected-version detail in the bundle is limited; validate with distro-specific advisories and commit backport status.
Mitigation direction
Apply kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check your Linux distribution advisory for backported fixes.
Prioritize GPU workstations, VDI hosts, CI runners, and GPU compute systems.
Restrict unnecessary local user access until patched.
Monitor kernel logs for GPU reset, scheduler fault, or oops events.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions against vendor advisories for CVE-2023-53351.
Confirm whether affected hosts use DRM or GPU scheduler functionality.
Verify installed kernels include the referenced upstream stable commits or vendor backports.
Review crash logs for related DRM scheduler or GPU reset oops messages.
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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CWE-908 · source CWE mapping
Use of Uninitialized Resource
Use of Uninitialized Resource represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.