CVE-2023-52481: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: arm64: errata: Add Cortex-A520 speculative unprivileged load workaround Implemen...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: arm64: errata: Add Cortex-A520 speculative unprivileged load workaround Implement the workaround for ARM Cortex-A520 erratum 2966298. On an affected Cortex-A520 core, a speculatively executed unprivileged load might leak data from a privileged load via a cache side channel. The issue only exists for loads within a translation regime with the same translation (e.g. same ASID and VMID). Therefore, the issue only affects the return to EL0. The workaround is to execute a TLBI before returning to EL0 after all loads of privileged data. A non-shareable TLBI to any address is sufficient. The workaround isn't necessary if page table isolation (KPTI) is enabled, but for simplicity it will be. Page table isolation should normally be disabled for Cortex-A520 as it supports the CSV3 feature and the E0PD feature (used when KASLR is enabled).

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

4.7/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

EPSS Probability

0.60%

44.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	< 6.1.57	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.2, < 6.5.7	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	6.6	Rc1

References

Timeline

Published: Feb 29, 2024
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-52481?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: arm64: errata: Add Cortex-A520 speculative unprivileged load workaround Implement the workaround for ARM Cortex-A520 erratum 2966298. On an affected Cortex-A520 core, a speculatively executed unprivileged load might leak data from a privileged load via a cache side channel. The issue only exists for loads within a translation regime with the same translation (e.g. same ASID and VMID). Therefore, the issue only affects the return to EL0. The workaround is to execute a TLBI before returning to EL0 after all loads of privileged data. A non-shareable TLBI to any address is sufficient. The workaround isn't necessary if page table isolation (KPTI) is enabled, but for simplicity it will be. Page table isolation should normally be disabled for Cortex-A520 as it supports the CSV3 feature and the E0PD feature (used when KASLR is enabled).

How severe is CVE-2023-52481?

CVE-2023-52481 has a CVSS score of 4.7/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.60% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-52481?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.