CVE-2023-52913 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem, specifically within the Intel i915 graphics driver. The issue arises in the gem_context_register() function, which is responsible for registering a graphics execution manager (GEM) context and making it visible to userspace. The vulnerability is a use-after-free (UAF) condition related to the context pointer (ctx). After gem_context_register() adds the context to the xarray data structure, a separate thread can invoke the I915_GEM_CONTEXT_DESTROY ioctl, which destroys the context. If the code continues to use the ctx pointer after it has been freed, this can lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (system crash). The fix ensures that no references to the ctx pointer are used after the context is destroyed and that adding the context to the xarray is the last operation performed in gem_context_register(). This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the specified commit (eb4dedae920a07c485328af3da2202ec5184fb17) and earlier versions where this race condition exists. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those relying on Linux systems with Intel integrated graphics using the i915 driver. Exploitation could allow local attackers or malicious processes to trigger use-after-free conditions, leading to privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service. This can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Organizations in sectors such as finance, government, research, and critical infrastructure that use Linux desktops, servers, or embedded devices with Intel graphics are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls or disrupt operations, impacting business continuity and data protection compliance obligations under regulations like GDPR.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that include the fix for CVE-2023-52913. Since the vulnerability involves a race condition in the i915 driver, kernel updates are the primary mitigation. System administrators should audit their environments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and Intel integrated graphics. Where immediate patching is not feasible, restricting untrusted userspace access to the DRM subsystem and limiting the ability to invoke the I915_GEM_CONTEXT_DESTROY ioctl can reduce risk. Employing kernel lockdown features and mandatory access controls (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor) to restrict device ioctl calls is recommended. Monitoring for unusual GPU-related ioctl activity and system crashes can aid in early detection. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust endpoint security and incident response capabilities to mitigate potential exploitation.