CVE-2023-53092 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the interconnect subsystem for Exynos platforms. The issue pertains to a node leak occurring in the probe path of the Power Management Quality of Service (PM QoS) error handling. The vulnerability arises because the newly allocated interconnect node is not properly added to the provider before the PM QoS request is added. This improper sequence means that if an error occurs during the PM QoS request addition, the allocated node is not freed correctly, leading to a resource leak. While the description focuses on a node leak, which is typically a memory or resource management issue, such leaks can degrade system stability and performance over time. In embedded or resource-constrained environments, such as those running on Exynos SoCs (System on Chips), this could lead to denial of service conditions due to resource exhaustion. The fix involves ensuring that the interconnect node is added to the provider before adding the PM QoS request, so that in error scenarios, the node is properly freed, preventing the leak. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel commits identified by the hash 2f95b9d5cf0b3d15154225e369558a3c6b40e948, indicating a narrow scope likely tied to certain kernel versions or patches. The vulnerability is technical and low-level, affecting kernel resource management in a specific hardware context (Exynos interconnect).

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-53092 depends largely on their use of Linux systems running on Exynos-based hardware, which is commonly found in some mobile devices, embedded systems, and IoT devices. Enterprises using Linux servers or desktops are less likely to be affected unless they specifically deploy Exynos SoC-based devices in their infrastructure. However, organizations involved in telecommunications, embedded system manufacturing, or mobile device management could face risks. The resource leak could lead to gradual degradation of system performance or stability, potentially causing denial of service if the leak accumulates over time. This could disrupt critical services, especially in industrial control systems or network equipment using affected hardware. Although no active exploitation is known, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks aiming to cause system instability or downtime. The absence of a remote code execution or privilege escalation vector limits the severity but does not eliminate operational risks. European organizations with supply chains or products incorporating Exynos-based Linux systems should be particularly vigilant. Additionally, the vulnerability could affect mobile devices used by employees, potentially impacting business continuity if devices become unstable.

To mitigate CVE-2023-53092, organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all Linux systems running on Exynos hardware within their environment, including embedded devices and mobile endpoints. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available from trusted sources or Linux distributions. Since the vulnerability is in the kernel interconnect subsystem, kernel updates are essential. 3) For embedded or IoT devices where kernel updates are not straightforward, coordinate with device manufacturers or vendors to obtain firmware updates that include the fix. 4) Monitor system logs and resource usage metrics on affected devices to detect abnormal resource consumption that could indicate the presence of the leak. 5) Implement strict access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks, reducing the risk of exploitation attempts. 6) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows to ensure timely remediation. 7) For critical systems, consider additional redundancy or failover mechanisms to mitigate potential service disruptions caused by resource exhaustion. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing hardware-specific inventory, vendor coordination, and operational monitoring tailored to the nature of this kernel-level resource leak.