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CVE Record

CVE-2023-53503: ext4: allow ext4_get_group_info() to fail

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: allow ext4_get_group_info() to fail Previously, ext4_get_group_info() would treat an invalid group number as BUG(), since in theory it should never happen. However, if a malicious attaker (or fuzzer) modifies the superblock via the block device while it is the file system is mounted, it is possible for s_first_data_block to get set to a very large number. In that case, when calculating the block group of some block number (such as the starting block of a preallocation region), could result in an underflow and very large block group number. Then the BUG_ON check in ext4_get_group_info() would fire, resutling in a denial of service attack that can be triggered by root or someone with write access to the block device. For a quality of implementation perspective, it's best that even if the system administrator does something that they shouldn't, that it will not trigger a BUG. So instead of BUG'ing, ext4_get_group_info() will call ext4_error and return NULL. We also add fallback code in all of the callers of ext4_get_group_info() that it might NULL. Also, since ext4_get_group_info() was already borderline to be an inline function, un-inline it. The results in a next reduction of the compiled text size of ext4 by roughly 2k.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Linux kernel ext4 issue can crash a system when a mounted filesystem’s superblock is maliciously altered through the underlying block device. The reported impact is denial of service, not data theft or remote code execution. The attack requires root privileges or write access to the block device, so exposure is mainly on systems with weak local or storage-device isolation.

Executive priority

Treat as a local or privileged denial-of-service risk. Prioritize internet-facing or multi-tenant Linux systems where users, containers, or automation may gain block-device write access. Routine kernel patching is appropriate unless local privilege boundaries are weak.

Technical view

ext4_get_group_info() previously treated an invalid block group as a BUG condition. If s_first_data_block is changed to a very large value while mounted, group calculation can underflow and trigger BUG_ON. The fix changes this path to ext4_error(), returns NULL, and adds caller fallback handling.

Likely exposure

Linux systems using ext4 are relevant. The source indicates affected Linux kernel entries including 3.11, 5.10.181, 5.15.113, 6.1.30, 6.3.4, and 6.4, but exact distro exposure must be confirmed against vendor kernel backports.

Exploitation context

The source describes a denial-of-service condition triggered by root or by someone with write access to the block device. KEV is false, and the bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation or public weaponization.

Researcher notes

The key behavior is a kernel BUG triggered by invalid ext4 group lookup after mounted superblock tampering. The fix converts the hard failure into error reporting and NULL-aware callers. The source does not provide CVSS, CWE, exploit evidence, or downstream package status.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply vendor kernel updates containing the referenced ext4 stable fixes.
  • Restrict write access to block devices to trusted administrative paths only.
  • Review container, VM, and backup tooling for unnecessary block-device write exposure.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes and affected package versions.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux hosts using ext4 filesystems.
  • Compare running kernel packages with vendor advisories and stable fix commits.
  • Identify users or workloads with writable block-device access.
  • Confirm no reliance on KEV for prioritization; KEV status is false in the bundle.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
7

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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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
6Source 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.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux2f2e09eb15849562aede80ed007658e4504ded26, 2f2e09eb15849562aede80ed007658e4504ded26, 2f2e09eb15849562aede80ed007658e4504ded26, 2f2e09eb15849562aede80ed007658e4504ded26, 2f2e09eb15849562aede80ed007658e4504ded26unaffected
LinuxLinux3.11, 0, 5.10.181, 5.15.113, 6.1.30, 6.3.4, 6.4affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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