CVE-2023-54227: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: blk-mq: fix tags leak when shrink nr_hw_queues Although we don't need to realloc...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: blk-mq: fix tags leak when shrink nr_hw_queues Although we don't need to realloc set->tags[] when shrink nr_hw_queues, we need to free them. Or these tags will be leaked. How to reproduce: 1. mount -t configfs configfs /mnt 2. modprobe null_blk nr_devices=0 submit_queues=8 3. mkdir /mnt/nullb/nullb0 4. echo 1 > /mnt/nullb/nullb0/power 5. echo 4 > /mnt/nullb/nullb0/submit_queues 6. rmdir /mnt/nullb/nullb0 In step 4, will alloc 9 tags (8 submit queues and 1 poll queue), then in step 5, new_nr_hw_queues = 5 (4 submit queues and 1 poll queue). At last in step 6, only these 5 tags are freed, the other 4 tags leaked.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.16%

5.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

References

Timeline

Published: Dec 30, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-54227?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: blk-mq: fix tags leak when shrink nr_hw_queues Although we don't need to realloc set->tags[] when shrink nr_hw_queues, we need to free them. Or these tags will be leaked. How to reproduce: 1. mount -t configfs configfs /mnt 2. modprobe null_blk nr_devices=0 submit_queues=8 3. mkdir /mnt/nullb/nullb0 4. echo 1 > /mnt/nullb/nullb0/power 5. echo 4 > /mnt/nullb/nullb0/submit_queues 6. rmdir /mnt/nullb/nullb0 In step 4, will alloc 9 tags (8 submit queues and 1 poll queue), then in step 5, new_nr_hw_queues = 5 (4 submit queues and 1 poll queue). At last in step 6, only these 5 tags are freed, the other 4 tags leaked.

How severe is CVE-2023-54227?

Severity scoring for CVE-2023-54227 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.16% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-54227?

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.