CVE-2023-54036 Details
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: rtl8xxxu: Fix memory leaks with RTL8723BU, RTL8192EU The wifi + bluetooth combo chip RTL8723BU can leak memory (especially?) when it's connected to a bluetooth audio device. The busy bluetooth traffic generates lots of C2H (card to host) messages, which are not freed correctly. To fix this, move the dev_kfree_skb() call in rtl8xxxu_c2hcmd_callback() inside the loop where skb_dequeue() is called. The RTL8192EU leaks memory because the C2H messages are added to the queue and left there forever. (This was fine in the past because it probably wasn't sending any C2H messages until commit e542e66b7c2e ("wifi: rtl8xxxu: gen2: Turn on the rate control"). Since that commit it sends a C2H message when the TX rate changes.) To fix this, delete the check for rf_paths > 1 and the goto. Let the function process the C2H messages from RTL8192EU like the ones from the other chips. Theoretically the RTL8188FU could also leak like RTL8723BU, but it most likely doesn't send C2H messages frequently enough. This change was tested with RTL8723BU by Erhard F. I tested it with RTL8188FU and RTL8192EU.
A memory leak vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's RTL8XXXU Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver, specifically with the RTL8723BU and RTL8192EU chips. When the RTL8723BU chip is connected to a Bluetooth audio device, it can leak memory due to improper handling of C2H (card to host) messages generated by active Bluetooth traffic. Similarly, the RTL8192EU chip also leaks memory because its C2H messages are queued indefinitely. This issue was introduced when the driver began sending C2H messages in response to changes in the transmission rate, but the messages were not properly managed, leading to memory retention. The problem could theoretically affect the RTL8188FU chip as well, but it is unlikely due to its infrequent C2H message transmission.
Users can upgrade to the patched version of the Linux kernel where this vulnerability has been addressed. The patch is available in the Linux kernel stable tree.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
VolerionCVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Dec 24, 2025References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/35fb0e275af1aa1ca0a9784417e90f988aaf8e78 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/430f9f9bec53a75f9ccc53e156a66f13fc098b83 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/93c3f34ec02fc81188d328287d4fddd498ccddea | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b39f662ce1648db0b9de32e6a849b098480793cb | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f39a86b4efd270947ee252cc32a30b0aef492d65 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
No weakness enumeration is available for this CVE.
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Realtek RTL8723BU | All versions |
CPE
Remediation
| |
| Realtek RTL8192EU | All versions |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
2 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Dec 24, 2025 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |