CVE-2023-52640
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read in the NTFS3 filesystem driver in the Linux kernel, specifically in the ntfs_listxattr function. It allows attackers to read kernel memory beyond allocated buffers, potentially exposing sensitive information. Systems using the NTFS3 driver with extended attributes are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with NTFS3 filesystem 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 →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
Kernel memory disclosure leading to information leaks that could facilitate privilege escalation or bypass security mechanisms.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of kernel memory contents, potentially revealing sensitive data or memory addresses.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper kernel hardening and memory protection features enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable function with crafted extended attributes.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel versions with fixes from stable commits: 0830c5cf19bdec50d0ede4755ddc463663deb21c, 52fff5799e3d1b5803ecd2f5f19c13c65f4f7b23, 6ed6cdbe88334ca3430c5aee7754dc4597498dfb, 731ab1f9828800df871c5a7ab9ffe965317d3f15, a585faf0591548fe0920641950ebfa8a6eefe1cd
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fixes. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable NTFS3 driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable NTFS3 filesystem driver
echo 'blacklist ntfs3' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-ntfs3.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
Mount NTFS with older driver
linuxUse the legacy NTFS driver instead of NTFS3
mount -t ntfs /dev/device /mount/point
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to NTFS filesystems to trusted users only
- Implement strict filesystem permissions and monitor for unusual access patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if NTFS3 driver is loaded: lsmod | grep ntfs3. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update and ensure NTFS3 driver version includes the fix commits.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages related to ntfs3
- Filesystem error logs mentioning NTFS3
Network Indicators:
- None - local filesystem vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("ntfs3" OR "oops" OR "general protection fault")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0830c5cf19bdec50d0ede4755ddc463663deb21c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/52fff5799e3d1b5803ecd2f5f19c13c65f4f7b23
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6ed6cdbe88334ca3430c5aee7754dc4597498dfb
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/731ab1f9828800df871c5a7ab9ffe965317d3f15
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a585faf0591548fe0920641950ebfa8a6eefe1cd
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0830c5cf19bdec50d0ede4755ddc463663deb21c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/52fff5799e3d1b5803ecd2f5f19c13c65f4f7b23
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6ed6cdbe88334ca3430c5aee7754dc4597498dfb
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/731ab1f9828800df871c5a7ab9ffe965317d3f15
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a585faf0591548fe0920641950ebfa8a6eefe1cd
