CVE-2023-40791 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel prior to version 6.4.12. This vulnerability allows an issue in the function extract_user_to_sg, located in lib/scatterlist.c, where the kernel fails to unpin pages under certain conditions. This could lead to integrity and availability issues, as indicated by a warning for try_grab_page.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.3, categorized as medium severity. It has a local attack vector, high complexity, and requires low privileges, making it a concerning issue for systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel. Organizations should be aware of the risk this vulnerability poses and take necessary precautions.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for exploitation still exists, which means defenders should remain vigilant.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, especially given its potential impact on system integrity and availability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description highlights how the failure in the Linux kernel's handling of page unpinning can lead to significant issues. The official CVE description states, 'extract_user_to_sg in lib/scatterlist.c in the Linux kernel before 6.4.12 fails to unpin pages in a certain situation, as demonstrated by a WARNING for try_grab_page.'
This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.3, indicating a medium severity level. The vulnerability type can be classified as a privilege escalation issue, and it affects several products, including various firmware versions from NetApp and the Linux kernel itself.
Published on October 16, 2023, this vulnerability has been classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE), although specific CWE IDs are not available.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-40791 lies in the Linux kernel's handling of page pinning. The specific function, extract_user_to_sg, fails to manage memory properly, resulting in the inability to unpin pages when necessary.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker would need physical or local access to the system. The complexity of the attack is rated as high, indicating that exploiting this vulnerability would require significant effort and skill. With low privileges required and no user interaction needed, this vulnerability becomes a more pressing concern.
Impact-wise, the vulnerability poses risks to integrity and availability, as indicated by the CVSS metrics. Confidentiality impact is rated as none, which means that sensitive data is not directly at risk from this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2023-40791 is significant, especially for organizations relying on the affected versions of the Linux kernel and NetApp firmware. The potential for exploitation, while currently low due to the absence of known exploits, should not be underestimated. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access and manipulate system integrity.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is medium. While there is no active exploitation reported, the potential impact on critical systems necessitates prompt action. Organizations should evaluate their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize patching as part of their risk management strategy.
Given the CVSS score of 6.3 and the potential for integrity and availability impacts, organizations should closely monitor their systems for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that they are running the latest patched versions of the affected software.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include all Linux kernel versions prior to 6.4.12, as well as several NetApp firmware versions (h300s, h410s, h500s, h700s) that utilize the vulnerable Linux kernel.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should address this vulnerability by applying patches to the Linux kernel. The latest version, 6.4.12, resolves this issue. If patching is not immediately feasible, organizations should consider implementing network controls to limit access to affected systems.
For comprehensive security, organizations may also choose to engage in penetration testing to identify any related vulnerabilities and strengthen their overall security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts related to CVE-2023-40791, organizations should monitor system logs for unusual behavior associated with memory management and page handling. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected warnings or errors in the kernel logs, can also indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-40791 is its potential to impact the reliability of systems running the vulnerable Linux kernel and associated NetApp firmware. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining updated software and understanding the risks associated with local vulnerabilities.
Organizations should establish a robust vulnerability management program to continuously assess and address vulnerabilities as they arise. Additionally, the situation underscores the necessity of adopting penetration testing methodologies to proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
In conclusion, organizations must remain vigilant and prioritize security measures to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2023-40791 and similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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