CVE-2023-53515
7.8 · HIGHOverview
CVE-2023-53515 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on October 1, 2025 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
Technical Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
virtio-mmio: don't break lifecycle of vm_dev
vm_dev has a separate lifecycle because it has a 'struct device'
embedded. Thus, having a release callback for it is correct.
Allocating the vm_dev struct with devres totally breaks this protection,
though. Instead of waiting for the vm_dev release callback, the memory
is freed when the platform_device is removed. Resulting in a
use-after-free when finally the callback is to be called.
To easily see the problem, compile the kernel with
CONFIG_DEBUG_KOBJECT_RELEASE and unbind with sysfs.
The fix is easy, don't use devres in this case.
Found during my research about object lifetime problems.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | >= 4.15.1, < 4.19.293 | Affected |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2023-53515?
CVE-2023-53515 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on October 1, 2025 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2023-53515?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, rated HIGH. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2023-53515?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2023-53515?
CyberStrike's AI-powered security agents can automatically detect CVE-2023-53515 across your infrastructure using autonomous pentesting, DAST scanning, and HackBrowser. The platform continuously monitors for known vulnerabilities and provides actionable remediation guidance prioritized by real-world exploitability.
How CyberStrike Helps
AI agents map your attack surface to find vulnerabilities like this one.
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