CVE-2023-52686: powerpc/powernv: Add a null pointer check in opal_event_init()

Published May 17, 2024
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

powerpc/powernv: Add a null pointer check in opaleventinit()

kasprintf() returns a pointer to dynamically allocated memory which can be NULL upon failure.

Other sources

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

powerpc/powernv: Add a null pointer check in opaleventinit()

The Linux kernel CVE team has assigned CVE-2023-52686 to this issue.

Upstream advisory: https://lore.kernel.org/linux-cve-announce/2024051752-CVE-2023-52686-4a08@gregkh/T

Red Hat

Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by the lack of a null pointer check in opaleventinit(). By sending a specially crafted request, a local authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial of service.

IBM

Affected Software

21 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel<4.19.306
4.19.306
redhat/kernel<5.4.268
5.4.268
redhat/kernel<5.10.209
5.10.209
redhat/kernel<5.15.148
5.15.148
redhat/kernel<6.1.75
6.1.75
redhat/kernel<6.6.14
6.6.14
redhat/kernel<6.7.2
6.7.2
redhat/kernel<6.8
6.8
Linux Linux kernel>=4.11<4.19.306
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.268
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.209
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.148
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.75
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.14
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.7.2
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
IBM Security Verify Governance<=ISVG 10.0.2
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager Software Stack<=ISVG 10.0.2
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager Virtual Appliance<=ISVG 10.0.2
IBM Security Verify Governance Identity Manager Container<=ISVG 10.0.2
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

May 17, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:24 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:24 PM
Description
May 18, 2024
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·01:15 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jun 8, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·01:02 AM
Description
May 10, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·05:12 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-52686?

CVE-2023-52686 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on system stability and security.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-52686?

To fix CVE-2023-52686, update the Linux kernel to one of the patched versions listed in the vulnerability report.

3

Which Linux kernel versions are affected by CVE-2023-52686?

CVE-2023-52686 affects multiple kernel versions prior to 4.19.306, 5.4.268, 5.10.209, 5.15.148, 6.1.75, 6.6.14, 6.7.2, and 6.8.

4

What does the vulnerability CVE-2023-52686 involve?

CVE-2023-52686 involves a null pointer dereference due to lack of checks in the opal_event_init() function of the Linux kernel.

5

Is my system at risk if it runs an outdated kernel vulnerable to CVE-2023-52686?

Yes, running an outdated kernel that is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52686 puts your system at risk of crashes and potential exploitation.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203