CVE-2023-53015: 
Linux Kernel vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2023-53015 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem, specifically in the betop driver component. The vulnerability was disclosed on March 27, 2025. The issue affects the betopff_init() function which only checks the total sum of report counts for each report field to be at least 4, but does not properly validate the structure of these reports (NVD).

The vulnerability stems from an improper validation in the betopffinit() function. While the function checks that the total sum of report counts for each report field is at least 4, the hidbetopffplay() function specifically expects 4 report fields. A malicious device could advertise an output report with one field and 4 report counts, which would pass the initial check but lead to a NULL pointer dereference in hidbetopff_play(). The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 (Low) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H (Red Hat).

The vulnerability can result in a kernel crash through a NULL pointer dereference when a maliciously crafted device presents an invalid report structure. This primarily affects system availability, with no direct impact on confidentiality or integrity (Red Hat).

Red Hat has indicated that the fix is deferred for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 and kernel-rt packages. Some versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (6 and 7) are not affected by this vulnerability. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 is out of support scope for this issue (Red Hat).