In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified concerning the mlx5_ib_get_hw_stats function. The issue arises when this function is called for a device with port_num set to 0, leading to incorrect handling of counters. As a result, a page fault can occur, which may compromise system stability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, categorizing it as medium severity. The attack vector is local with low complexity and requires low privileges, indicating that an attacker with limited access could exploit this vulnerability with relative ease.
Risk to organizations includes potential system downtime and instability due to the page fault. The urgency for defenders is moderate; organizations should schedule remediation to address this vulnerability in their systems.
No public exploit has been confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not currently listed in the KEV catalog, indicating that it is not actively exploited in the wild.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that the vulnerability allows for incorrect handling within the mlx5_ib_get_hw_stats function when the port_num is set to 0. This can lead to a page fault, as functions that assume port_num is greater than or equal to 1 may be executed incorrectly.
The associated CVSS metrics indicate that the attack vector is local (AV:L), the attack complexity is low (AC:L), and the privileges required are low (PR:L). The impact on availability is high (A:H), while confidentiality and integrity impacts are classified as none (C:N, I:N).
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the incorrect passing of the port_num variable within the kernel stack. This oversight can lead to functions operating under the assumption that a valid port_num is provided, resulting in a page fault when the actual value is 0.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, suggesting that it does not require sophisticated techniques to trigger the issue. Low privileges are sufficient to exploit the vulnerability, and no user interaction is needed.
The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity, but it poses a high risk to availability, potentially leading to system crashes or instability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world risk includes the potential for system outages and operational disruptions. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the Linux kernel may face significant downtime if the vulnerability is exploited.
The blast radius of this vulnerability could extend across systems that rely on the Linux kernel, affecting critical infrastructure and services. Given the availability impact, organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability.
Based on the CVSS score, urgency for remediation is moderate. Organizations should schedule updates and ensure that systems are patched to mitigate the risk.
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 this vulnerability:
1. All versions from 4.16 to below 5.15.87 2. All versions from 5.16 to below 6.0.19 3. All versions from 6.1 to below 6.1.5 4. Versions 6.2:rc1 and 6.2:rc2
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers. Upgrading to a version of the Linux kernel that is not affected is recommended.
For those unable to immediately apply patches, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure to the vulnerability.
Organizations should validate their remediation through penetration testing to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for unusual kernel panics or system crashes in logs. Behavioral anomalies in system performance may also indicate an attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Network signatures that indicate attempts to access the vulnerable kernel functions can also be useful in detecting exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability is that it highlights the ongoing challenges regarding kernel stability and robustness. As systems become more complex, vulnerabilities like this may arise from oversights in the handling of critical parameters.
This vulnerability represents a trend towards increased scrutiny of local vulnerabilities that may have significant impacts on system availability. Security teams should take this as a reminder to prioritize code reviews and testing for edge cases.
Strategically, organizations should enhance their vulnerability management programs to ensure timely identification and patching of such vulnerabilities, thereby reducing potential risks to their infrastructure.
For further insights, organizations can refer to the following resources on penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management program design, and continuous security testing best practices.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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