A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux Kernel traffic control index filter (tcindex) can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The tcindex_delete function does not properly deactivate filters in cases of perfect hashes while deleting the underlying structure, which can later lead to double freeing the structure. A local attacker can use this vulnerability to elevate their privileges to root. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
This vulnerability has been scored with a CVSS of 7.8, classifying it as high severity. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and the potential for system compromise. Given its local attack vector and low attack complexity, the urgency for defenders to implement patches is high.
Currently, there is known exploit code available, which heightens the risk of exploitation. Organizations should assess their systems for this vulnerability and take immediate action to remediate.
The vulnerability was published on April 12, 2023, and it affects various versions of the Linux Kernel. The urgency for organizations to address this issue cannot be overstated.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux Kernel traffic control index filter (tcindex) can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The underlying issue is related to the tcindex_delete function, which fails to deactivate filters under specific conditions, leading to potential double freeing of memory.
The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level, and the vulnerability has significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The affected product is the Linux Kernel, and the vendor is Linux.
The vulnerability was published on April 12, 2023, and falls under the CWE classification CWE-416. Organizations should reference the vendor guidance for remediation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a failure in the tcindex_delete function to properly deactivate filters, which can lead to a use-after-free condition. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the system where the Linux Kernel is running.
The attack complexity is low and requires low privileges, with no user interaction necessary. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all high, indicating significant risks if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk is considerable due to the local attack vector and the potential for local privilege escalation. Organizations using affected versions of the Linux Kernel are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, which could lead to further compromises.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, especially in environments where the kernel is used extensively, as it could allow an attacker to gain root access and control over the system. Given the CVSS score of 7.8 and the current understanding of exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux Kernel are affected by this vulnerability: all versions prior to vendor patch, specifically versions earlier than 4.14.308, between 4.15 and 4.19.276, between 4.20 and 5.4.235, between 5.5 and 5.10.173, between 5.11 and 5.15.100, between 5.16 and 6.1.18, and versions 6.2 to 6.2.5.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of the Linux Kernel beyond commit 8c710f75256bb3cf05ac7b1672c82b92c43f3d28. For those unable to upgrade immediately, it is critical to implement configuration hardening and network controls to limit access to potential attackers.
Monitoring for unusual activity and ensuring that proper logging mechanisms are in place can also help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. For further guidance, organizations can explore penetration testing services to evaluate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor system logs for indicators of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as attempts to access unauthorized files or changes in user privileges. Behavioral anomalies should be investigated, and any unusual access patterns should be logged and analyzed for potential malicious intent.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-1829 lies in its demonstration of the potential vulnerabilities within the Linux Kernel. The pattern indicates that even local vulnerabilities can have far-reaching implications for security. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive, regularly conducting security assessments and implementing best practices for vulnerability management.
To learn more about effective strategies, organizations can refer to resources like vulnerability management program design and penetration testing methodology to bolster their defenses against emerging threats.
Lastly, adopting a proactive security culture that includes constant education and awareness can significantly mitigate the risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1829.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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