In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified related to data races around user->unix_inflight. This issue arises because user->unix_inflight is accessed without proper locking mechanisms in certain scenarios, which can lead to inconsistent state and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 4.7, categorizing it as medium severity. The issue calls for immediate attention from organizations utilizing affected Linux kernel versions.
The risk to organizations includes the potential for service disruption, as the vulnerability could be exploited to cause high availability impact. Although there are currently no known exploits in the wild, the technical details suggest that the vulnerability could be leveraged by local attackers with low privileges. Therefore, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Given the medium severity of this vulnerability, organizations are advised to schedule remediation efforts as part of their security practices. The Linux kernel has been patched to resolve this issue, and it is crucial for users to apply the latest updates to mitigate any risks associated with it.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately as part of their incident response to ensure their systems remain secure against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows for a data race condition in the Linux kernel, specifically in the af_unix subsystem. The affected component is the linux_kernel, and it has been classified under CWE-362. The CVSS 3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating a medium severity. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel, particularly those between versions 3.2.78 and 6.5.4.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a lack of proper synchronization when accessing the user->unix_inflight variable. The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is categorized as high, and no user interaction is required for exploitation. The availability impact is significant, as the vulnerability could lead to a denial of service condition due to data races.
Risk & Impact Analysis
In real-world deployment, this vulnerability could potentially allow local attackers to disrupt service by causing inconsistencies in the kernel's handling of Unix domain sockets. The impact radius could extend to any application relying on these sockets, leading to significant operational disruption. Given the medium CVSS score and the fact that it is not currently included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should assess their risk and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions from 3.2.78 to 6.5.4. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions of the Linux kernel to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply patches as soon as they are available to mitigate this vulnerability. To ensure the security of your systems, consider employing penetration testing services to identify and resolve similar vulnerabilities proactively.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for any abnormal behavior around socket communication and system calls related to Unix domain sockets. Behavioral anomalies and network signatures indicative of misuse should also be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the potential for similar data race conditions to occur in other parts of the Linux kernel or related systems. Security teams should remain vigilant in monitoring for emerging vulnerabilities that may exhibit similar traits. For further information on vulnerability management best practices, organizations may refer to our vulnerability management program and consider the implementation of a robust patch management strategy to mitigate future risks.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about trends in kernel vulnerabilities and engage in proactive measures such as penetration testing methodologies to ensure their systems remain secure.
Finally, organizations should consider engaging in red teaming exercises to simulate potential attack scenarios and better understand their defense capabilities against vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-53204.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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