In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53186 has been resolved. This vulnerability arises from a race condition between coalescing and releasing socket buffers (SKBs). The issue was introduced by a commit allowing coalescing to proceed with both non-page pool and page pool pages when the source SKB is cloned. However, it requires that the cloned SKB remains valid during the entire coalescing process. If the cloned SKB is released prematurely, it can lead to inconsistent reference counts, causing potential use-after-free or double-free errors.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.7, classified as medium severity. It primarily affects local attack vectors and requires low privileges, with no user interaction needed. The impact on availability is high, indicating a significant risk to systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with potential exploitation. The vulnerability has been analyzed and is currently not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that active exploitation is not confirmed.
The urgency for remediation is underscored by the double-free bug's implications on system stability, making it crucial for affected systems to be updated promptly.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2023-53186 resolves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel, specifically addressing a race condition in SKB handling. The official CVE description notes that the bug is linked to improper handling during the coalescing of SKBs, which could lead to a double-free situation. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating a medium level of severity, with a high availability impact.
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those between 5.15 and 5.15.108, from 5.16 to 6.1.25, and from 6.2 to 6.2.12, as well as release candidates in version 6.3.
The issue was identified as CWE-362, which refers to race condition vulnerabilities. It is imperative that organizations running affected versions address this issue through appropriate updates.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-53186 lies in the handling of SKBs within the Linux kernel. When the system attempts to coalesce SKBs, it checks for certain conditions about whether the SKBs are cloned. If the cloned SKB is released before the coalescing process is complete, it leads to corrupted reference counts, resulting in either a use-after-free or double-free error.
This vulnerability can be exploited locally, which means an attacker must have access to the system. The complexity of the attack is rated as high, indicating that significant knowledge and skill are required to exploit this vulnerability successfully.
No user interaction is necessary to exploit the vulnerability, further increasing the risk to organizations. The impact on availability is rated high, meaning that successfully exploiting this vulnerability could lead to significant downtime or degradation of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime and service disruption due to the high availability impact of this vulnerability. The fact that exploitation requires local access reduces the blast radius, but successful exploitation can still lead to critical system failures or crashes.
Given the current metrics, organizations should schedule remediation in their patch cycle. The CVSS score indicates a moderate level of urgency, and the lack of known active exploitation does not reduce the need for timely updates.
Overall, organizations using the affected versions of the Linux kernel should prioritize updates to avoid potential disruptions in services, keeping in mind the implications of availability impacts.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2023-53186: - All versions from 5.15 to 5.15.108 - All versions from 5.16 to 6.1.25 - All versions from 6.2 to 6.2.12 - Linux kernel 6.3 release candidates (rc1 to rc6) Organizations should upgrade to the latest patched versions to mitigate the vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2023-53186, organizations should apply the relevant patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers. It is crucial to upgrade to at least version 5.15.108 or later, or to versions later than 6.1.25 or 6.2.12 to ensure protection against this vulnerability.
If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing configuration hardening measures, such as restricting access to kernel functionalities and monitoring for unusual activities in kernel operations.
Penetration testing may also help identify any potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the future.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect any anomalies in kernel behavior. Key indicators include log entries related to memory management, SKB handling, and unusual system crashes. Additionally, monitoring for unexpected access patterns to kernel functions can help identify potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The vulnerability CVE-2023-53186 highlights the ongoing challenges in kernel security and the necessity for continuous vigilance in monitoring and patching systems. Organizations must remain proactive in their security posture, ensuring all systems are up-to-date with the latest patches.
Moreover, following a structured vulnerability management program can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities affecting system integrity in the future.
As the landscape of vulnerabilities continues to evolve, organizations should also invest in proactive measures such as penetration testing methodologies that can help uncover hidden weaknesses before they are exploited.
Lastly, organizations are encouraged to stay updated on emerging threats and vulnerabilities through continuous education and engagement with security communities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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