CVE-2023-52919 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically within the NCI (NFC Controller Interface) driver. The issue arises from improper handling of memory allocation failures in the function send_acknowledge(), which calls nci_skb_alloc() that internally uses alloc_skb() to allocate socket buffers. If the memory allocation fails and returns a NULL pointer, the code does not properly check for this condition, leading to a potential NULL pointer dereference. This can cause the kernel to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is rooted in the lack of defensive programming against memory allocation failures, which are rare but possible under resource-constrained conditions. The fix involves adding proper checks to handle the failure of nci_skb_alloc() and prevent dereferencing NULL pointers. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to the patch date and is relevant to systems utilizing NFC capabilities through the Linux kernel's NCI driver. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution but can cause system instability or crashes when triggered.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-52919 is the potential for denial of service on Linux-based systems that utilize NFC hardware and drivers. This could affect devices such as embedded systems, IoT devices, mobile devices, or specialized industrial equipment running Linux kernels with NFC support enabled. The impact is mostly limited to availability, as the vulnerability can cause kernel crashes or system reboots if exploited. Confidentiality and integrity are not directly threatened by this vulnerability. Organizations relying on NFC for secure access control, payment systems, or device communication could experience service interruptions or operational disruptions. While the attack vector requires local access or triggering NFC operations, the risk is higher in environments where NFC is actively used or exposed. Given the widespread use of Linux in European IT infrastructure, especially in telecommunications, manufacturing, and public services, any disruption could have cascading effects on business continuity and user trust. However, the absence of known exploits and the requirement for specific NFC usage reduce the immediate threat level.

To mitigate CVE-2023-52919, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available, ensuring that all systems with NFC capabilities are updated promptly. 2) Audit and inventory devices running Linux with NFC enabled to identify potentially vulnerable systems. 3) Where possible, disable NFC functionality on Linux devices that do not require it, reducing the attack surface. 4) Implement monitoring for kernel crashes or unusual system behavior that could indicate attempted exploitation. 5) For critical systems, consider deploying kernel hardening techniques and memory protection mechanisms to reduce the impact of kernel-level faults. 6) Educate system administrators about the vulnerability and the importance of timely patch management, especially for embedded and IoT devices that may be overlooked. 7) Collaborate with hardware vendors to ensure firmware and driver updates are aligned with kernel patches.