CVE-2023-53388

CVE-2023-53388 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/mediatek: Clean dangling pointer on bind error path mtk_drm_bind() can fail, in which case drm_dev_put() is called, destroying the drm_device object. However a pointer to it was still being held in the private object, and that pointer would be passed along to DRM in mtk_drm_sys_prepare() if a suspend were triggered at that point, resulting in a panic. Clean the pointer when destroying the object in the error path to prevent this from happening.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-53388?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/mediatek: Clean dangling pointer on bind error path mtk_drm_bind() can fail, in which case drm_dev_put() is called, destroying the drm_device object. However a pointer to it was still being held in the private object, and that pointer would be passed along to DRM in mtk_drm_sys_prepare() if a suspend were triggered at that point, resulting in a panic. Clean the pointer when destroying the object in the error path to prevent this from happening.
How severe is CVE-2023-53388?
CVE-2023-53388 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-53388 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-53388?
CVE-2023-53388 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-53388?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2023-53388 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-53388 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-29939.
When was CVE-2023-53388 published?
CVE-2023-53388 was published on 2025-09-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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