CVE-2023-53189: linux Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound)

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2023-53189 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) vulnerability in linux. EPSS estimates a 0.17% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 5.8% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 15-09-2025
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 15-10-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

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.

• CWE-191Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound)The product subtracts one value from another, such that the result is less than the minimum allowable integer value, which produces a value that is not equal to the correct result.