CVE-2023-53046 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically involving a race condition between the functions hci_cmd_sync_work and hci_cmd_sync_clear. The flaw arises due to improper synchronization when managing work items in the 'req_workqueue' and the 'cmd_sync_work_list'. In particular, hci_cmd_sync_work is scheduled to run after cancel_work_sync is called, but the corresponding work list entry may be freed prematurely by hci_cmd_sync_clear. This use-after-free condition can lead to a kernel panic or potentially other undefined behaviors. The vulnerability is rooted in concurrent access and lifecycle management of Bluetooth command synchronization work items, which can cause memory corruption. The provided call traces illustrate the sequence of kernel functions involved, including allocation and freeing of memory tracked by Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN), confirming the use-after-free scenario. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 6a98e3836fa2077b169f10a35c2ca9952d53f987, and it was publicly disclosed in May 2025. The absence of a CVSS score suggests that the vulnerability has not yet been fully assessed for severity, but the technical details indicate a potentially serious flaw due to kernel memory corruption risks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk particularly to systems relying on Linux kernels with Bluetooth functionality enabled. The kernel panic caused by the race condition can lead to denial of service (DoS), disrupting critical services and operations. More concerning is the potential for exploitation to achieve privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, which could compromise system confidentiality and integrity. Organizations in sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and public infrastructure that utilize Linux-based devices with Bluetooth capabilities are especially vulnerable. The impact extends to embedded systems, IoT devices, and enterprise servers running affected Linux versions. Given the widespread use of Linux in European data centers and industrial environments, exploitation could result in operational downtime, data breaches, and loss of trust. Additionally, the complexity of the vulnerability means that skilled attackers could develop exploits, increasing the threat landscape for European entities.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches once available, or upgrade to a kernel version where the flaw is resolved. In the interim, disabling Bluetooth functionality on critical systems where it is not essential can reduce exposure. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems with Bluetooth enabled to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN) in testing environments can help identify similar issues proactively. Network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices and regular auditing of kernel versions across infrastructure will aid in risk management. Furthermore, organizations should maintain an up-to-date inventory of Linux-based assets and ensure that security teams are aware of this vulnerability to prioritize remediation efforts effectively.