CVE-2023-53641: wifi: ath9k: hif_usb: fix memory leak of remain_skbs
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath9k: hif_usb: fix memory leak of remain_skbs
hif_dev->remain_skb is allocated and used exclusively in
ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream(). It is implied that an allocated remain_skb is
processed and subsequently freed (in error paths) only during the next
call of ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream().
So, if the urbs are deallocated between those two calls due to the device
deinitialization or suspend, it is possible that ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream()
is not called next time and the allocated remain_skb is leaked. Our local
Syzkaller instance was able to trigger that.
remain_skb makes sense when receiving two consecutive urbs which are
logically linked together, i.e. a specific data field from the first skb
indicates a cached skb to be allocated, memcpy'd with some data and
subsequently processed in the next call to ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream(). Urbs
deallocation supposedly makes that link irrelevant so we need to free the
cached skb in those cases.
Fix the leak by introducing a function to explicitly free remain_skb (if
it is not NULL) when the rx urbs have been deallocated. remain_skb is NULL
when it has not been allocated at all (hif_dev struct is kzalloced) or
when it has been processed in next call to ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream().
Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with Syzkaller.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel memory leak in the ath9k USB Wi-Fi receive path. Under device deinitialization or suspend timing, cached receive data may not be freed. The public record does not provide a CVSS score, confirmed exploitation, or business-impact details.
Executive priority
Treat as a patch-management item, not an emergency, unless affected Linux hosts rely on ath9k USB Wi-Fi in sensitive or highly available environments. Urgency is constrained by missing severity scoring and no cited exploitation.
Technical view
The issue is in ath9k hif_usb handling of hif_dev->remain_skb. If RX URBs are deallocated between linked ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream() calls, remain_skb may never be processed and freed. Stable fixes add explicit freeing when RX URBs are deallocated.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the ath9k USB Wi-Fi driver path in use. The source bundle lists Linux as affected but does not identify distributions, hardware models, or default configurations.
Exploitation context
The source says a local Syzkaller instance triggered the leak. CISA KEV is false, and the provided sources do not claim active exploitation, public exploit use, or a reliable attacker path.
Researcher notes
The useful evidence is the kernel commit description: remain_skb can leak when RX URBs are deallocated before the next receive-stream call. Research should focus on affected kernel lineage, driver reachability, and whether vendor backports include the explicit free path.
Mitigation direction
Identify systems using affected Linux kernels and ath9k USB Wi-Fi support.
Prioritize vendor kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check distribution advisories for package-specific fixed kernel versions.
Reduce exposure where practical by disabling unused ath9k USB Wi-Fi hardware.
Monitor kernel logs and memory pressure on systems awaiting updates.
Validation and detection
Confirm running kernel versions against vendor fixed-version advisories.
Inventory whether ath9k USB Wi-Fi modules or devices are present.
Review package changelogs for the referenced stable commit IDs.
Verify patched systems load an updated kernel after reboot.
Check operational monitoring for recurring memory pressure or suspend-related instability.
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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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source 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 7, 2025, 15:19 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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