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CVE Record

CVE-2023-53588: wifi: mac80211: check for station first in client probe

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: check for station first in client probe When probing a client, first check if we have it, and then check for the channel context, otherwise you can trigger the warning there easily by probing when the AP isn't even started yet. Since a client existing means the AP is also operating, we can then keep the warning. Also simplify the moved code a bit.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Linux kernel Wi-Fi issue concerns mac80211 client probing. The source says a warning can be triggered when probing before an AP is started. Business impact is unclear because no CVSS, CWE, exploit report, or concrete operational consequence is provided.

Executive priority

Treat as a low-urgency tracking item until vendor guidance clarifies impact. Prioritize normal kernel maintenance for systems using Linux Wi-Fi AP functionality, but do not escalate as actively exploited based on the provided evidence.

Technical view

The fix changes mac80211 client probe handling to check whether the station exists before checking channel context. The commit message says probing before the AP is started can otherwise trigger a warning. The affected data identifies Linux kernel versions, but impact and exact downstream package exposure require vendor confirmation.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using affected mac80211 Wi-Fi code paths, especially wireless AP-related operation. The provided version data is sparse and should be validated against distribution kernel backports.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or active exploitation. The cited kernel text describes an easily triggered warning condition, but does not establish exploitability, privilege requirements, remote reachability, or security impact beyond that warning.

Researcher notes

The evidence supports a bounds-of-state/order-of-check bug in mac80211 probe handling, not a proven compromise path. Version metadata is incomplete and unusual, so validate against actual kernel commits and downstream backport records before scoring or triage closure.

Mitigation direction

  • Check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2023-53588 coverage.
  • Update to a kernel package containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Prioritize systems using Wi-Fi AP or mac80211 functionality.
  • Track vendor guidance if no fixed package is available yet.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across Wi-Fi-capable systems.
  • Confirm whether vendor kernels include the referenced stable commits.
  • Review kernel logs for related mac80211 client probe warnings.
  • Verify exposure assumptions with distribution security notes.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

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-2023-53588 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
4Source 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
LinuxLinux55de908ab292c03f1eb280f51170ddb9c6b57e31, 55de908ab292c03f1eb280f51170ddb9c6b57e31, 55de908ab292c03f1eb280f51170ddb9c6b57e31unaffected
LinuxLinux3.8, 0, 6.1.55, 6.5.5, 6.6affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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