CVE-2023-1077
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-1077 is a type confusion vulnerability in the Linux kernel's real-time scheduler that can lead to memory corruption. This allows local attackers to potentially escalate privileges or cause denial of service. Any system running an affected Linux kernel version is vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation to root, kernel panic causing system crash, or arbitrary code execution in kernel context.
Likely Case
Kernel panic leading to denial of service, system instability, or privilege escalation to root.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper kernel hardening and privilege separation are implemented, though denial of service may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and understanding of kernel internals. No public exploit code has been observed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commit 7c4a5b89a0b5a57a64b601775b296abf77a9fe97
Vendor Advisory: https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230511-0002/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check your distribution's security advisories. 2. Update kernel package using package manager (apt, yum, dnf, zypper). 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable real-time group scheduling
linuxRemove CONFIG_RT_GROUP_SCHED from kernel configuration to disable vulnerable feature
This requires kernel recompilation with CONFIG_RT_GROUP_SCHED=n
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access and implement strict privilege separation
- Monitor for kernel panic events and unusual privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with distribution's patched version. Check if CONFIG_RT_GROUP_SCHED is enabled in /boot/config-$(uname -r)Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version from vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- System crashes or instability
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kern.log" AND "kernel panic" OR "BUG: unable to handle kernel"🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/next/linux-next.git/commit/?id=7c4a5b89a0b5a57a64b601775b296abf77a9fe97
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/05/msg00005.html
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/01/msg00004.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230511-0002/
- https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/next/linux-next.git/commit/?id=7c4a5b89a0b5a57a64b601775b296abf77a9fe97
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/05/msg00005.html
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/01/msg00004.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230511-0002/
