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CVE Record

CVE-2023-53499: virtio_net: Fix error unwinding of XDP initialization

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: virtio_net: Fix error unwinding of XDP initialization When initializing XDP in virtnet_open(), some rq xdp initialization may hit an error causing net device open failed. However, previous rqs have already initialized XDP and enabled NAPI, which is not the expected behavior. Need to roll back the previous rq initialization to avoid leaks in error unwinding of init code. Also extract helper functions of disable and enable queue pairs. Use newly introduced disable helper function in error unwinding and virtnet_close. Use enable helper function in virtnet_open.

HighCVSS 7Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A Linux virtio_net cleanup flaw can leave previously initialized receive queues and NAPI enabled when XDP setup fails. This inconsistent state may leak resources and, under the supplied CVSS assessment, threaten confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Triggering requires local access, low privileges, and high complexity.

Executive priority

Treat as a high-priority maintenance issue on systems combining virtio_net, XDP, and untrusted local users. It is not supported as an internet-remotely exploitable or actively exploited emergency. Accelerate vendor kernel updates where virtualization-host impact could be material.

Technical view

During virtnet_open(), an XDP initialization failure could return without undoing earlier receive-queue XDP and NAPI initialization. The kernel fix introduces queue-pair enable and disable helpers and uses rollback during error unwinding and device closure.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to Linux systems using virtio_net where XDP initialization can enter the affected failure path. The bundle lists versions from 4.16 through several later branch points, but does not clearly preserve exact affected-range semantics; verify distribution-specific kernel status.

Exploitation context

The supplied CVSS 3.1 vector scores 7.0 and describes a local, high-complexity attack requiring low privileges and no user interaction. The bundle marks KEV false and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit.

Researcher notes

The documented defect is incomplete rollback after partial receive-queue initialization. The source bundle does not explain how the stale state produces the CVSS-rated confidentiality and integrity impacts, and it supplies no CWE, exploit evidence, or precise distribution package mapping. Avoid inferring reachability beyond virtio_net/XDP error handling.

Mitigation direction

  • Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable referenced stable fix.
  • Check distribution or appliance vendor guidance for branch-specific fixed versions.
  • Where updating is delayed, assess whether virtio_net with XDP is necessary and restrict local access.
  • Prioritize affected multi-tenant or otherwise sensitive virtualization hosts.

Validation and detection

  • Record kernel versions on systems using virtio_net network interfaces.
  • Determine whether XDP is configured or initialized on those interfaces.
  • Verify the installed kernel includes the applicable stable commit or vendor backport.
  • Review vendor advisories because the supplied version-range representation is ambiguous.
  • After remediation, confirm network devices open and close cleanly without resource or NAPI anomalies.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2023-53499 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H15.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2023-53499Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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
LinuxLinux754b8a21a96d5f11712245aef907149606b323ae, 754b8a21a96d5f11712245aef907149606b323ae, 754b8a21a96d5f11712245aef907149606b323ae, 754b8a21a96d5f11712245aef907149606b323aeunaffected
LinuxLinux4.16, 0, 5.15.113, 6.1.30, 6.3.4, 6.4affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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