CVE-2023-54106: net/mlx5: fix potential memory leak in mlx5e_init_rep_rx
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/mlx5: fix potential memory leak in mlx5e_init_rep_rx
The memory pointed to by the priv->rx_res pointer is not freed in the error
path of mlx5e_init_rep_rx, which can lead to a memory leak. Fix by freeing
the memory in the error path, thereby making the error path identical to
mlx5e_cleanup_rep_rx().
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This CVE is a Linux kernel memory leak in the mlx5 networking driver cleanup path. If an initialization error occurs, allocated memory may not be freed. The public record does not provide CVSS, impact scale, or active exploitation evidence, so urgency should be based on kernel exposure and vendor update availability.
Executive priority
Treat as a routine kernel maintenance item unless critical systems use mlx5 networking and show stability concerns. There is no source-backed evidence of active exploitation, but kernel memory leaks can affect availability over time.
Technical view
In mlx5e_init_rep_rx, priv->rx_res was not freed on an error path. The kernel fix makes that error path match mlx5e_cleanup_rep_rx by freeing the allocation. The sources identify affected Linux kernel versions and stable commits but do not describe exploit prerequisites or security impact beyond memory leak.
Likely exposure
Likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the net/mlx5 driver path in use. Exposure is most relevant for hosts using mlx5 networking and representor RX functionality. The sources do not establish a remote attack surface.
Exploitation context
The source bundle marks KEV as false and provides no cited evidence of active exploitation. The issue is described as a potential memory leak triggered on an error path, not as code execution, privilege escalation, or data disclosure.
Researcher notes
Evidence is narrow: the record describes a missed free of priv->rx_res in mlx5e_init_rep_rx and links three stable commits. No CWE, CVSS vector, exploit narrative, or distro-specific fixed package data is provided in the bundle.
Mitigation direction
Update to a kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes.
Prioritize systems using mlx5 networking features.
If no package fix exists, follow vendor kernel guidance.
Track memory-pressure symptoms on affected hosts until patched.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions against the affected ranges.
Confirm whether mlx5 driver functionality is enabled or in use.
Verify kernel package changelogs include this CVE or commit fix.
Confirm patched systems include one referenced stable commit.
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-2023-54106 mapping review
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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.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Dec 24, 2025, 13:06 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.