CVE-2023-53429

CVE-2023-53429 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: btrfs: don't check PageError in __extent_writepage __extent_writepage currenly sets PageError whenever any error happens, and the also checks for PageError to decide if to call error handling. This leads to very unclear responsibility for cleaning up on errors. In the VM and generic writeback helpers the basic idea is that once I/O is fired off all error handling responsibility is delegated to the end I/O handler. But if that end I/O handler sets the PageError bit, and the submitter checks it, the bit could in some cases leak into the submission context for fast enough I/O. Fix this by simply not checking PageError and just using the local ret variable to check for submission errors. This also fundamentally solves the long problem documented in a comment in __extent_writepage by never leaking the error bit into the submission context.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-53429?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: btrfs: don't check PageError in __extent_writepage __extent_writepage currenly sets PageError whenever any error happens, and the also checks for PageError to decide if to call error handling. This leads to very unclear responsibility for cleaning up on errors. In the VM and generic writeback helpers the basic idea is that once I/O is fired off all error handling responsibility is delegated to the end I/O handler. But if that end I/O handler sets the PageError bit, and the submitter checks it, the bit could in some cases leak into the submission context for fast enough I/O. Fix this by simply not checking PageError and just using the local ret variable to check for submission errors. This also fundamentally solves the long problem documented in a comment in __extent_writepage by never leaking the error bit into the submission context.
How severe is CVE-2023-53429?
CVE-2023-53429 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-53429 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-53429?
CVE-2023-53429 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-53429?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2023-53429 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-53429 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-29889.
When was CVE-2023-53429 published?
CVE-2023-53429 was published on 2025-09-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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