CVE-2023-53128 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) subsystem, related to the mpi3mr driver. The issue is a memory leak caused by the absence of a kfree() call, which is responsible for freeing allocated memory in kernel space. This missing deallocation leads to a throttle_groups memory leak, meaning that over time, the kernel could consume increasing amounts of memory without releasing it properly. The mpi3mr driver is used for managing certain SCSI devices, particularly those related to the Microsemi/Avago/LSI MegaRAID SAS controllers. The vulnerability was addressed by adding the missing kfree() call to ensure proper memory management. Although the vulnerability does not appear to have known exploits in the wild, the leak could degrade system performance or stability, especially on systems with heavy SCSI I/O workloads or long uptimes. Since this is a kernel-level issue, it affects all Linux distributions using the vulnerable kernel versions containing the mpi3mr driver without the fix. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication to manifest, as it is triggered by normal kernel operations managing SCSI devices. However, exploitation is indirect, relying on the system's workload and memory usage patterns rather than a direct attack vector. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no additional CWE identifiers are provided.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-53128 primarily concerns system stability and availability. Organizations running Linux servers with affected kernel versions and using hardware managed by the mpi3mr driver could experience gradual memory exhaustion leading to degraded performance or system crashes. This is particularly critical for data centers, cloud providers, and enterprises relying on Linux-based storage servers or virtualization hosts that use MegaRAID controllers. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could disrupt business operations, cause downtime, and increase maintenance costs. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to performance degradation over time. Given the widespread use of Linux in European IT infrastructure, especially in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and government, the vulnerability could affect critical services if not addressed promptly.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patch fixing CVE-2023-53128. Specifically, they should ensure that the mpi3mr driver is updated to the fixed version containing the added kfree() call. System administrators should audit their environments to identify servers using MegaRAID SAS controllers managed by mpi3mr and verify kernel versions. Implementing proactive monitoring of kernel memory usage and system performance can help detect early signs of memory leaks. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider workload balancing or scheduled reboots to mitigate memory exhaustion effects temporarily. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust patch management policies and subscribe to Linux kernel security advisories to stay informed about similar vulnerabilities. Testing patches in staging environments before production deployment is recommended to avoid unintended disruptions.