In the Linux kernel, a high-severity vulnerability has been identified, designated as CVE-2023-53213. This vulnerability allows for a slab-out-of-bounds read in the brcmf_get_assoc_ies() function, which can lead to significant security issues. The vulnerability arises when assoc_info->req_len, data from a USB device, exceeds the buffer size defined as WL_EXTRA_BUF_MAX.
The potential impact of this vulnerability is serious, as it may allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, thereby compromising system confidentiality. The Linux kernel has a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating a high level of severity. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to both confidentiality and availability impacts.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to remediate this vulnerability due to its high severity and the potential for exploitation. The urgency is further emphasized by the fact that it affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof of concept available for this vulnerability. However, the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, making it imperative to address this vulnerability promptly.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2023-53213 has been classified as a slab-out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This specific vulnerability is located in the Linux kernel, particularly within the brcmfmac driver. The vulnerability occurs when the length of the request (assoc_info->req_len) surpasses the maximum buffer size, leading to potential memory access violations.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.1, categorized as high severity. The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is deemed low, requiring only low privileges. User interaction is not necessary for exploitation, which increases the risk for systems using vulnerable kernel versions.
The vulnerability affects the following Linux kernel versions: all versions prior to 4.14.315, versions 4.15 to 4.19.283, versions 4.20 to 5.4.243, versions 5.5 to 5.10.180, versions 5.11 to 5.15.110, versions 5.16 to 6.1.27, versions 6.2 to 6.2.14, and versions 6.3 to 6.3.1.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-53213 is the failure to validate the size of the request length against the maximum buffer size. This oversight can lead to a slab-out-of-bounds read, where an application attempts to read memory that it should not have access to. The attack vector is local, as it requires access to the machine running the vulnerable kernel.
The attack complexity for this vulnerability is low, meaning that it can be exploited with relative ease by an attacker with local access. Privileges required are also low, further increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. No user interaction is necessary for this vulnerability to be exploited.
The confidentiality impact is rated as high, indicating that sensitive data could potentially be exposed. The integrity impact is none, meaning that the data cannot be modified through this vulnerability. However, the availability impact is also high, as the vulnerability could crash the system or make it unstable.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, leading to data breaches and compliance issues. The blast radius of this vulnerability could be significant, affecting all systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle, as the CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high level of urgency. The fact that the vulnerability is present in multiple kernel versions further amplifies the risk, as many systems may be affected.
Given the lack of known exploits, organizations still face a risk of exploitation. Therefore, proactive measures should be taken to ensure that systems are patched and secured against this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of the Linux kernel prior to 4.14.315, and versions ranging from 4.15 to 4.19.283, 4.20 to 5.4.243, 5.5 to 5.10.180, 5.11 to 5.15.110, 5.16 to 6.1.27, 6.2 to 6.2.14, and 6.3 to 6.3.1.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended action is to upgrade to the latest stable version of the Linux kernel that addresses this issue. Patches are available for the affected versions, and organizations should apply these updates as soon as possible.
Configuration hardening and strict access controls can further minimize the risk of exploitation. Monitoring system logs for unusual activities can help detect any potential attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
For additional information on penetration testing and security assessments, organizations can refer to our penetration testing services to better understand their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor their systems for specific log indicators that may suggest unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies in system performance or unexpected application crashes could be indicative of exploitation.
Network signatures that correspond to known attack patterns can also help in identifying exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for changes in system configurations or unauthorized access to critical resources should be part of a comprehensive detection strategy.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-53213 lies in its potential to expose sensitive data and disrupt operations. The pattern of vulnerabilities in widely used software components like the Linux kernel highlights the need for organizations to maintain robust security practices.
Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance their vulnerability management programs. Regular updates and security assessments can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. For guidance on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to our vulnerability management program design and the importance of proactive security measures.
Implementing continuous security testing can also aid in identifying and mitigating such vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. For more insights, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology to ensure a comprehensive approach to security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)