CVE-2023-53669: tcp: fix skb_copy_ubufs() vs BIG TCP

Published Oct 7, 2025
·
Updated

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

tcp: fix skbcopyubufs() vs BIG TCP

David Ahern reported crashes in skbcopyubufs() caused by TCP tx zerocopy using hugepages, and skb length bigger than ~68 KB.

skbcopyubufs() assumed it could copy all payload using up to MAXSKBFRAGS order-0 pages.

This assumption broke when BIG TCP was able to put up to 512 KB per skb.

We did not hit this bug at Google because we use CONFIGMAXSKBFRAGS=45 and limit gsomaxsize to 180000.

A solution is to use higher order pages if needed.

v2: add missing GFPCOMP, or we leak memory.

Affected Software

4 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.19<6.1.29
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.2.16
Linux Linux kernel>=6.3<6.3.3

Event History

Oct 7, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:21 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:21 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-53669?

CVE-2023-53669 is considered to have a high severity due to the potential to cause crashes in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-53669?

To fix CVE-2023-53669, update your Linux kernel to the latest version available that addresses this vulnerability.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2023-53669?

CVE-2023-53669 affects versions of the Linux kernel that utilize TCP tx zerocopy with hugepages and certain skb length limitations.

4

What kind of attacks can CVE-2023-53669 enable?

CVE-2023-53669 can potentially enable DoS attacks through kernel crashes stemming from the affected skb_copy_ubufs() function.

5

Who reported CVE-2023-53669?

CVE-2023-53669 was reported by David Ahern, highlighting issues with TCP transmission and hugepages.

Contact

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