# CVE-2023-53199: linux: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  wifi: ath9k: hif_usb: clean up skbs if ath9k_hif...

CVE-2023-53199 is fixed in linux on 1 platform, first by DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53199, released September 15, 2025. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2023-53199
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: 5.5 (medium)
- EPSS: 0.0016
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Sep 15, 2025

## Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  wifi: ath9k: hif_usb: clean up skbs if ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream() fails  Syzkaller detected a memory leak of skbs in ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream(). While processing skbs in ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream(), the already allocated skbs in skb_pool are not freed if ath9k_hif_usb_rx_stream() fails. If we have an incorrect pkt_len or pkt_tag, the input skb is considered invalid and dropped. All the associated packets already in skb_pool should be dropped and freed. Added a comment describing this issue.  The patch also makes remain_skb NULL after being processed so that it cannot be referenced after potential free. The initialization of hif_dev fields which are associated with remain_skb (rx_remain_len, rx_transfer_len and rx_pad_len) is moved after a new remain_skb is allocated.  Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with Syzkaller.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | linux Debian 12.15 (bookworm) | 6.1.20-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53199](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2023-53199.md) | Sep 15, 2025 |
| Linux | linux Debian 13.5 (trixie) | 6.1.20-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53199](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2023-53199.md) | Sep 15, 2025 |
| Linux | linux Debian 14 | 6.1.20-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53199](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2023-53199.md) | Sep 15, 2025 |

---

Data as of 2026-11-08T06:59:42Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

Free to use with attribution: show "Data: Patchblox Patch Radar" with a link to https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar. Terms, including what needs a written agreement: https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar/use-the-data

Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.