CVE-2023-53189
low-risk
Published 2025-09-15
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ipv6/addrconf: fix a potential refcount underflow for idev Now in addrconf_mod_rs_timer(), reference idev depends on whether rs_timer is not pending. Then modify rs_timer timeout. There is a time gap in [1], during which if the pending rs_timer becomes not pending. It will miss to hold idev, but the rs_timer is activated. Thus rs_timer callback function addrconf_rs_timer() will be executed and put idev later without holding idev. A refcount underflow issue for idev can be caused by this. if (!timer_pending(&idev->rs_timer)) in6_dev_hold(idev); <--------------[1] mod_timer(&idev->rs_timer, jiffies + when); To fix the issue, hold idev if mod_timer() return 0.
Do I need to act?
-
0.02% chance of exploitation
EPSS score — low exploit probability
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Not on CISA KEV list
No confirmed active exploitation reported to CISA
?
Patch status unknown
Check vendor advisories for fix availability and mitigation guidance
5
CVSS 5.5/10
Medium
LOCAL
/ LOW complexity
Affected Products (2)
Affected Vendors
References (8)
25
/ 100
low-risk
Severity
18/34 · Moderate
Exploitability
0/34 · Minimal
Exposure
7/34 · Low