CVE-2023-52626
📋 TL;DR
A precedence bug in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver causes an out-of-bounds read during port timestamping operations. This vulnerability could allow attackers to read kernel memory or cause denial of service. Systems using Mellanox network adapters with affected Linux kernel versions are impacted.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel mlx5e driver
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory disclosure leading to information leakage, privilege escalation, or system crash/panic.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel panic, or denial of service affecting network functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper kernel hardening and memory protection mechanisms are enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering specific network driver operations in napi_poll context.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 33cdeae8c6fb58cc445f859b67c014dc9f60b4e0 and related fixes
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/33cdeae8c6fb58cc445f859b67c014dc9f60b4e0
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Reboot system. 3. Verify kernel version and that mlx5e driver loads correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable port timestamping
linuxDisable the specific network driver functionality that triggers the bug
ethtool -K <interface> rx-timestamp off
ethtool -K <interface> tx-timestamp off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent local users from triggering network operations
- Monitor system logs for kernel panics or mlx5e driver errors
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if mlx5e driver is loaded: lsmod | grep mlx5Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits and mlx5e driver functions normally📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- mlx5e driver error messages
- Out of bounds memory access warnings
Network Indicators:
- Network interface instability
- Increased packet loss on Mellanox interfaces
SIEM Query:
Search for: kernel panic OR mlx5e OR out of bounds read🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/33cdeae8c6fb58cc445f859b67c014dc9f60b4e0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3876638b2c7ebb2c9d181de1191db0de8cac143a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/40e0d0746390c5b0c31144f4f1688d72f3f8d790
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/33cdeae8c6fb58cc445f859b67c014dc9f60b4e0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3876638b2c7ebb2c9d181de1191db0de8cac143a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/40e0d0746390c5b0c31144f4f1688d72f3f8d790
