CVE-2023-53655 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel, specifically involving stack overflow due to kprobe registration on the __rcu_irq_enter_check_tick() function. The issue arises when the kernel is booted with specific arguments, enabling the CONFIG_NO_HZ_FULL setting, which can lead to a kernel panic. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can result in system instability and potential denial of service.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating its medium severity. This score reflects the low attack complexity and the requirement for low privileges to exploit the vulnerability, combined with a high impact on availability. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the Linux kernel must be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime and disruption of services due to kernel stack overflow. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to cause systems to become unresponsive, leading to significant operational impacts. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there are no known exploits in the wild, and the vulnerability has not been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
Given the potential impact of this vulnerability, organizations should address it promptly within their patching cycles to mitigate risks effectively.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-53655 states: 'In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: rcu: Avoid stack overflow due to __rcu_irq_enter_check_tick() being kprobe-ed.' The vulnerability type is classified as a stack overflow triggered by the misuse of kernel probes.
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Linux kernel between 5.8 and 6.3.2, excluding fixed versions 5.10.180, 5.15.111, 6.1.28, 6.2.15, and 6.3.2.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the registration of a kprobe on the __rcu_irq_enter_check_tick() function, which can result in a stack overflow. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is rated as low because it does not require sophisticated techniques or extensive knowledge of the system. Privileges required are low, allowing unprivileged users to trigger the overflow. User interaction is not necessary, making it easier for attackers to exploit.
The vulnerability impacts availability, as it can cause kernel panic and system crashes, rendering services unavailable.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations that deploy the affected versions of the Linux kernel face significant risks, including potential downtime and loss of service continuity. The blast radius is considerable, as this vulnerability affects various Linux distributions and may impact multiple services running on those systems.
The urgency for remediation is medium due to the availability impact and the potential for disruption in services. Organizations must assess their patching cycles and prioritize the application of fixes for this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions as follows: 5.8 to 5.10.180, 5.11 to 5.15.111, 5.16 to 6.1.28, 6.2 to 6.2.15, and 6.3 to 6.3.2. All versions prior to vendor patch are considered vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest vendor patches as soon as possible. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of the Linux kernel to eliminate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Additional hardening measures include configuring kernel parameters to prevent unauthorized kprobe registrations.
Organizations can also consider implementing network controls to limit access to systems running vulnerable kernels and monitoring system logs for any unusual behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts.
For more detailed guidance on testing and validating the security of your systems, organizations should refer to resources such as penetration testing services to ensure robust security measures are in place.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor system logs for indicators of unusual kernel activity, especially entries related to kprobe registrations. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected kernel panics or crashes should be investigated promptly.
Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and ensuring that only trusted users can modify kernel parameters will help in early detection of potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
Long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to disrupt systems reliant on the Linux kernel, which is widely used in various industries. The vulnerability exemplifies the need for continuous monitoring and prompt application of patches to maintain system integrity.
Security teams should take this incident as a lesson in the importance of proactive vulnerability management and the implications of kernel-level vulnerabilities. Organizations can enhance their security posture by adopting best practices in penetration testing methodology and ensuring that all systems are regularly reviewed and updated.
In conclusion, organizations must prioritize addressing CVE-2023-53655 to mitigate risks effectively and maintain operational integrity.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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