CVE-2023-52768 is a medium severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's wireless driver for the WILC1000 Wi-Fi module. The issue arises from improper memory allocation for the vmm_table array within the wilc struct. Specifically, the allocation size in the wilc_wlan_init function does not correctly multiply by sizeof(u32), leading to an undersized buffer. This mismatch causes out-of-bounds writes when the driver accesses the vmm_table array during wireless transmission queue handling (wilc_wlan_handle_txq). The Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN) detected slab-out-of-bounds writes, indicating that the driver writes beyond the allocated memory range. This memory corruption can affect kernel stability and potentially lead to denial of service (system crashes) or other unpredictable behavior. Exploitation requires local privileges with high-level permissions (PR:H) and no user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the system to trigger the vulnerability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability has been addressed in recent Linux kernel updates. The vulnerability impacts specific Linux kernel versions identified by their commit hashes, suggesting it affects certain kernel builds incorporating the vulnerable wilc1000 driver code. Overall, this vulnerability represents a memory safety flaw in a wireless driver component that could be leveraged by an attacker with local high privileges to disrupt system availability or potentially escalate privileges through further exploitation chains.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-52768 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable WILC1000 wireless driver enabled. This includes embedded devices, IoT equipment, and possibly some enterprise Linux distributions that support this Wi-Fi module. The vulnerability could lead to system instability or denial of service if exploited, disrupting critical network connectivity and operations. While the confidentiality and integrity impact is rated low, the availability impact is high, which could affect business continuity, especially in environments relying on wireless connectivity for operational technology or remote access. Since exploitation requires local high privileges, the threat is more relevant in scenarios where attackers have already gained some level of access, such as insider threats or post-compromise lateral movement. European organizations with a strong presence of Linux-based infrastructure in industrial, telecommunications, or public sector environments should be particularly vigilant. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for timely patching to prevent future exploitation attempts.

1. Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2023-52768 as soon as they become available from trusted sources or distribution maintainers. 2. Audit and inventory devices using the WILC1000 wireless module to identify potentially vulnerable systems. 3. Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable kernels by enforcing strict user privilege management and limiting administrative access. 4. Employ kernel hardening techniques such as enabling KASAN and other memory safety tools in development and testing environments to detect similar issues early. 5. Monitor system logs and kernel messages for signs of memory corruption or crashes related to the wireless driver. 6. For embedded or IoT devices, coordinate with vendors to ensure firmware updates include the patched kernel version. 7. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce the risk of lateral movement if local compromise occurs. 8. Educate system administrators about the importance of applying security patches promptly and monitoring for unusual system behavior.