CVE-2023-52865 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the clock management subsystem for MediaTek platforms (clk-mt6797). The issue arises due to the absence of a proper check on the return value of the function mtk_alloc_clk_data(). This function is responsible for allocating clock data structures necessary for managing hardware clocks on MediaTek SoCs. Without verifying the success of this allocation, the kernel code may proceed with a NULL pointer, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. Such a dereference can cause the kernel to crash (kernel panic), resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is rooted in improper error handling and can be triggered when the allocation fails, which might occur under memory pressure or other resource constraints. The patch for this vulnerability involves adding a check to ensure that the return value of mtk_alloc_clk_data() is not NULL before proceeding, thus preventing the dereference. There is no indication of exploitation in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the affected commit identified by the hash 96596aa06628e86ea0e1c08c34b0ccc7619e43ac, which corresponds to the MediaTek clock driver code prior to the patch. This vulnerability is specific to MediaTek hardware platforms running Linux kernels with this code, which are commonly found in embedded devices and some mobile or IoT devices. Exploitation requires local code execution or the ability to trigger the clock driver code path, which may limit the attack surface. However, successful exploitation can cause system instability or denial of service.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-52865 largely depends on the deployment of Linux-based systems running on MediaTek hardware. MediaTek chips are prevalent in embedded systems, IoT devices, and some mobile devices, which may be used in industrial control systems, telecommunications equipment, or edge computing devices within enterprises. A successful exploitation could lead to kernel crashes causing system downtime or service interruptions. While this vulnerability does not directly lead to privilege escalation or data leakage, the resulting denial of service could disrupt critical operations, especially in sectors relying on embedded Linux devices such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and smart infrastructure. Given the increasing adoption of IoT and edge devices in European industries, unpatched devices could be vulnerable to remote or local attackers aiming to disrupt services. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for specific hardware and kernel versions reduce the immediate risk. Organizations with MediaTek-based Linux devices should assess their exposure and prioritize patching to maintain system stability and availability.

1. Identify all Linux systems running on MediaTek hardware, particularly those using the affected clk-mt6797 driver. 2. Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that include the fix for CVE-2023-52865. This involves updating to a kernel version containing the commit that adds the NULL check for mtk_alloc_clk_data(). 3. For embedded or IoT devices where kernel updates are challenging, coordinate with device vendors for firmware updates or mitigations. 4. Implement monitoring for kernel panics or unexpected reboots that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Restrict local access to vulnerable devices to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 6. Conduct thorough testing of updated kernels in controlled environments before deployment to avoid regressions. 7. Maintain an inventory of MediaTek-based devices and their kernel versions to facilitate timely patch management. 8. Consider network segmentation for vulnerable devices to limit potential attack vectors and impact.