CVE-2023-53246
5.5 · MEDIUMOverview
CVE-2023-53246 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on September 15, 2025 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
Technical Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
cifs: fix DFS traversal oops without CONFIG_CIFS_DFS_UPCALL
When compiled with CONFIG_CIFS_DFS_UPCALL disabled, cifs_dfs_d_automount
is NULL. cifs.ko logic for mapping CIFS_FATTR_DFS_REFERRAL attributes to
S_AUTOMOUNT and corresponding dentry flags is retained regardless of
CONFIG_CIFS_DFS_UPCALL, leading to a NULL pointer dereference in
VFS follow_automount() when traversing a DFS referral link:
BUG: kernel NULL pointer dereference, address: 0000000000000000
...
Call Trace:
<TASK>
__traverse_mounts+0xb5/0x220
? cifs_revalidate_mapping+0x65/0xc0 [cifs]
step_into+0x195/0x610
? lookup_fast+0xe2/0xf0
path_lookupat+0x64/0x140
filename_lookup+0xc2/0x140
? __create_object+0x299/0x380
? kmem_cache_alloc+0x119/0x220
? user_path_at_empty+0x31/0x50
user_path_at_empty+0x31/0x50
__x64_sys_chdir+0x2a/0xd0
? exit_to_user_mode_prepare+0xca/0x100
do_syscall_64+0x42/0x90
entry_SYSCAL
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | >= 0, < 4.14.312 | Affected |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2023-53246?
CVE-2023-53246 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on September 15, 2025 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).
How severe is CVE-2023-53246?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-2023-53246?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2023-53246?
CyberStrike's AI-powered security agents can automatically detect CVE-2023-53246 across your infrastructure using autonomous pentesting, DAST scanning, and HackBrowser. The platform continuously monitors for known vulnerabilities and provides actionable remediation guidance prioritized by real-world exploitability.
How CyberStrike Helps
AI agents map your attack surface to find vulnerabilities like this one.
Automated penetration testing that runs continuously, not just quarterly.
AI-driven PR review catches vulnerable dependencies before they ship.
Browser-based exploitation validates findings with real proof-of-concept.
Related MEDIUM CVEs from 2023
View all →DataHub is an open-source metadata platform. In versions of DataHub prior to 0.8.45 Session cookies
Dell Unisphere for PowerMax vApp, VASA Provider vApp, and Solution Enabler vApp version 10.0.0.5 an
All versions of the package sketchsvg are vulnerable to Arbitrary Code Injection when invoking shell
Nextcloud is an open-source productivity platform. In Nextcloud Desktop client 3.0.0 until 3.8.0, Ne
An attacker having physical access to WDM can plug USB device to gain access and execute unwanted co
Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation and support for multi-language development.
Gradle is a build tool with a focus on build automation and support for multi-language development.
Alaris Systems Manager does not perform input validation during the Device Import Function.
Improper input validation in the BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged u
Dell BIOS contain a Time-of-check Time-of-use vulnerability in BIOS. A local authenticated maliciou
A vulnerability exists in the Equipment Tag Out authentication, when configured with Single Sign-On
Cilium is a networking, observability, and security solution with an eBPF-based dataplane. An attack