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CVE Record

CVE-2023-53456: scsi: qla4xxx: Add length check when parsing nlattrs

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: qla4xxx: Add length check when parsing nlattrs There are three places that qla4xxx parses nlattrs: - qla4xxx_set_chap_entry() - qla4xxx_iface_set_param() - qla4xxx_sysfs_ddb_set_param() and each of them directly converts the nlattr to specific pointer of structure without length checking. This could be dangerous as those attributes are not validated and a malformed nlattr (e.g., length 0) could result in an OOB read that leaks heap dirty data. Add the nla_len check before accessing the nlattr data and return EINVAL if the length check fails.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2023-53456 is a Linux kernel flaw in the qla4xxx SCSI driver. Malformed netlink attributes may be read without checking their length, which can expose leftover heap memory. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, exploitation evidence, or privilege requirements.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted kernel information-disclosure issue, not a broad emergency based on current evidence. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, with faster handling for storage infrastructure using qla4xxx.

Technical view

The qla4xxx driver parsed nlattrs in qla4xxx_set_chap_entry(), qla4xxx_iface_set_param(), and qla4xxx_sysfs_ddb_set_param() by casting attribute data to structures without validating nla_len. The kernel fix adds length checks and returns EINVAL on invalid input to prevent out-of-bounds reads.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernels with the qla4xxx driver present or enabled. Risk depends on whether relevant qla4xxx configuration paths are accessible. The sources do not identify affected distributions, cloud images, or default configurations.

Exploitation context

The record describes a malformed nlattr, including length zero, causing an out-of-bounds read that may leak heap data. CISA KEV status is false, and the supplied sources do not report active exploitation, public exploit code, remote reachability, or required privileges.

Researcher notes

The strongest evidence is the upstream fix rationale. Missing data includes CVSS, CWE mapping, exploitability conditions, distribution status, and whether an attacker needs local privileges or specific qla4xxx access. Avoid assuming remote impact without vendor or kernel maintainer confirmation.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply a vendor-supported kernel update containing the referenced stable qla4xxx fixes.
  • Prioritize systems using QLogic qla4xxx-supported storage or iSCSI hardware paths.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes and package-specific version mapping.
  • If qla4xxx is unnecessary, follow vendor guidance to reduce or remove driver exposure.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions against vendor advisories and the referenced stable fixes.
  • Identify systems where the qla4xxx driver is loaded, built, or operationally required.
  • Confirm patched code validates nlattr length before structure access in the three affected functions.
  • Review vulnerability scanner findings for kernel backport awareness before treating versions as unpatched.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
11

Public sources used

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-2023-53456 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
10Source links

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80, 00c31889f7513e9ffa6b2b4de8ad6d7f59a61c80unaffected
LinuxLinux3.2, 0, 4.14.326, 4.19.295, 5.4.257, 5.10.195, 5.15.132, 6.1.53, 6.4.16, 6.5.3, 6.6affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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