CVE-2023-53614: mm/ksm: fix race with VMA iteration and mm_struct teardown
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
mm/ksm: fix race with VMA iteration and mm_struct teardown
exit_mmap() will tear down the VMAs and maple tree with the mmap_lock held
in write mode. Ensure that the maple tree is still valid by checking
ksm_test_exit() after taking the mmap_lock in read mode, but before the
for_each_vma() iterator dereferences a destroyed maple tree.
Since the maple tree is destroyed, the flags telling lockdep to check an
external lock has been cleared. Skip the for_each_vma() iterator to avoid
dereferencing a maple tree without the external lock flag, which would
create a lockdep warning.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel memory-management bug in Kernel Samepage Merging. During process address-space teardown, kernel code could iterate VMAs after the underlying maple tree was destroyed. The public record does not state real-world impact, CVSS, or active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a kernel hygiene update with unknown severity. Prioritize normal patch management for affected Linux fleets, especially shared or multi-tenant systems, but the supplied evidence does not justify emergency response based on exploitation.
Technical view
The fix rechecks ksm_test_exit() after acquiring mmap_lock in read mode and before for_each_vma() dereferences the maple tree. The described failure is a race between VMA iteration and mm_struct teardown in exit_mmap(), avoiding dereference of invalid maple-tree state and lockdep warnings.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions identified in the CVE record, including 6.1, 6.1.22, 6.2.9, and 6.3 data entries. Distribution backports may change practical exposure, so packaged-kernel status must be verified with vendor advisories.
Exploitation context
The provided bundle marks CISA KEV as false and includes no evidence of public exploitation. It also provides no exploitability assessment, attacker prerequisites, CVSS score, or CWE classification.
Researcher notes
Key evidence is the upstream kernel fix text. The record lacks CVSS, CWE, impact class, and exploit details. Focus validation on whether packaged kernels carry the KSM mmap_lock recheck before VMA iteration.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced KSM stable fixes.
Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes and affected package versions.
Prioritize systems running affected 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 kernel lines.
Avoid relying only on upstream version numbers when vendors backport patches.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions across Linux hosts and images.
Check whether vendor kernel packages include the referenced stable commits.
Review distribution security advisories for CVE-2023-53614 status.
Confirm no exposed systems remain on affected, unpatched kernel builds.
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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CVE-2023-53614 mapping review
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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Oct 4, 2025, 15:44 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.