In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified that affects the handling of nexthop hash sizes. This issue arises from the nexthop code which expects a 31-bit hash, but when a 32-bit hash is passed, it can lead to significant problems. Specifically, this can result in incorrect path selection and potential out-of-bounds access, causing system crashes.
The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The potential impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks. As such, organizations utilizing affected versions of the Linux kernel should take immediate action to mitigate this vulnerability.
Currently, there are no known public exploits for this vulnerability, but its existence in widely used systems raises concerns. Organizations must prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent unauthorized access or system instability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate nexthop hash sizes, which can lead to incorrect path selections and system crashes.
The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-129 issue, indicating improper validation of array index. The CVSS score of 7.8 characterizes it as high severity, underscoring the need for immediate remediation.
Affected versions include various releases of the Linux kernel between versions 5.8 and 6.5-rc4.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the nexthop code's expectation of a 31-bit hash from functions like fib_multipath_hash() and rt6_multipath_hash(). When a 32-bit hash is passed, it may lead to negative values due to the most significant bit being set.
The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges to exploit. The complexity is low, and no user interaction is necessary for an attack to succeed. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all high, reflecting the critical nature of this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability can lead to critical system failures and unavailability, posing significant risks to organizations relying on the Linux kernel. The urgency for remediation is heightened by the potential for exploitation, despite no known public exploits currently.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the Linux kernel from 5.8 to 6.5-rc4 are affected. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize updating their systems to the latest patched version of the Linux kernel. Specific patches can be found in the Linux kernel's stable repository. For additional security, implementing monitoring for unusual system behavior can help detect potential exploitation attempts.
For more information on security best practices and remediation strategies, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any abnormal behavior associated with nexthop selection processes. Additionally, tracking system crashes and panics related to the Linux kernel can provide insights into potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights ongoing challenges in kernel-level security and the need for continuous vigilance in patch management. Organizations can learn from this event to refine their vulnerability management programs and ensure timely updates.
For strategic insights on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the following resources: vulnerability management program design, penetration testing methodology, and API penetration testing guide to strengthen their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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