CVE-2023-53802
Published Dec 9, 2025
Modified Apr 15, 2026
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: ath9k: htc_hst: free skb in ath9k_htc_rx_msg() if there is no callback function It is stated that ath9k_htc_rx_msg() either frees the provided skb or passes its management to another callback function. However, the skb is not freed in case there is no another callback function, and Syzkaller was able to cause a memory leak. Also minor comment fix. Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with Syzkaller.
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References
Other References
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/564bc2222bf50eb6cdee715a5431bf4dc9f923c1
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5a84e51f72580fc70066b03f3dac38421e702a0b
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/68171c006c8645a3e0293a6c3e6037c6538ac1c5
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9b25e3985477ac3f02eca5fc1e0cc6850a3f7e69
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b11f95f65cc52ee3a756e6f6a88df37a203e25bd
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bbfababb4f899fe1556eac195f9774b6fe675fb6
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c0c0614f143b568cd0e9525d53cf12e5dcd11987
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ec246dfe006b2a8f36353f7489e4f525114db9a5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2023-53802? +
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath9k: htc_hst: free skb in ath9k_htc_rx_msg() if there is no callback function
It is stated that ath9k_htc_rx_msg() either frees the provided skb or
passes its management to another callback function. However, the skb is
not freed in case there is no another callback function, and Syzkaller was
able to cause a memory leak. Also minor comment fix.
Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with Syzkaller.
How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2023-53802? +
You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.