CVE-2023-53524: wifi: iwlwifi: pcie: Fix integer overflow in iwl_write_to_user_buf
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: iwlwifi: pcie: Fix integer overflow in iwl_write_to_user_buf
An integer overflow occurs in the iwl_write_to_user_buf() function,
which is called by the iwl_dbgfs_monitor_data_read() function.
static bool iwl_write_to_user_buf(char __user *user_buf, ssize_t count,
void *buf, ssize_t *size,
ssize_t *bytes_copied)
{
int buf_size_left = count - *bytes_copied;
buf_size_left = buf_size_left - (buf_size_left % sizeof(u32));
if (*size > buf_size_left)
*size = buf_size_left;
If the user passes a SIZE_MAX value to the "ssize_t count" parameter,
the ssize_t count parameter is assigned to "int buf_size_left".
Then compare "*size" with "buf_size_left" . Here, "buf_size_left" is a
negative number, so "*size" is assigned "buf_size_left" and goes into
the third argument of the copy_to_user function, causing a heap overflow.
This is not a security vulnerability because iwl_dbgfs_monitor_data_read()
is a debugfs operation with 0400 privileges.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue affects Intel iwlwifi PCIe debugfs code. A bad size conversion could turn a very large read size into a negative internal value and cause unsafe copying. The upstream description says this is not a security vulnerability because the reachable debugfs operation has 0400 privileges.
Executive priority
Treat as low urgency unless your environment exposes debugfs beyond trusted administrators. Fold remediation into normal kernel patching and confirm fleet exposure for systems with Intel wireless hardware.
Technical view
iwl_write_to_user_buf() assigns an ssize_t count-derived value to int buf_size_left. With SIZE_MAX-like input, the value can become negative, influence *size, and reach copy_to_user(), creating a heap overflow condition. The call path is iwl_dbgfs_monitor_data_read() in iwlwifi PCIe debugfs handling.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using the iwlwifi driver where the relevant debugfs interface is present and accessible to privileged users. The source bundle does not prove broad remote or unauthenticated exposure.
Exploitation context
The bundle states KEV is false and provides no cited evidence of active exploitation. The upstream description explicitly downplays security impact because the affected read operation is debugfs with 0400 privileges.
Researcher notes
The public record describes a real memory-safety bug but also states it is not a security vulnerability due to debugfs permissions. Version metadata in the bundle is limited, so validate against downstream kernel backports rather than relying only on mainline versions.
Mitigation direction
Apply Linux kernel or distribution updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check vendor kernel advisories before assuming exact affected version ranges.
Restrict debugfs access to trusted administrators only.
Avoid exposing debugfs on production systems unless operationally required.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux systems using Intel iwlwifi wireless drivers.
Check running kernel versions against distribution security or stable-kernel guidance.
Confirm whether one of the referenced stable commits is included.
Verify debugfs is not accessible to untrusted users.
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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3Timeline events
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Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Oct 1, 2025, 11:46 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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