CVE-2023-52667 – This CVE describes a double-free memory corrupt... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-52667?

CVE-2023-52667 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver. If exploited, it could allow local attackers to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with Mellanox network hardware are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver. If exploited, it could allow local attackers to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with Mellanox network hardware are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel with mlx5e driver

Versions: Specific affected kernel versions not specified in CVE description; check git commits for exact ranges

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using vulnerable kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires Mellanox network hardware and mlx5e driver usage; not all Linux systems are affected

📦 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 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential privilege escalation to root via arbitrary code execution in kernel context.

🟠

Likely Case

Kernel panic causing system crash and denial of service, requiring reboot to restore functionality.

🟢

If Mitigated

System remains stable with no impact if patched or if the vulnerable code path isn't triggered.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is a local vulnerability requiring access to the system.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers or malicious users could exploit this to crash systems or potentially gain elevated privileges.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable code path; memory corruption vulnerabilities can be challenging to exploit reliably

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check kernel git commits: 2897c981ee63e1be5e530b1042484626a10b26d8 and related commits

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2897c981ee63e1be5e530b1042484626a10b26d8

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable mlx5e driver

linux

Prevent loading of vulnerable driver module

echo 'blacklist mlx5_core' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod mlx5_core

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict local user access to systems with vulnerable kernels
Implement strict access controls and monitoring for systems that cannot be patched immediately

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and if mlx5e driver is loaded: lsmod | grep mlx5

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version is updated and check git commit contains the fix: git log --oneline | grep -i 'CVE-2023-52667\|fs_any_create_groups'

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic messages in /var/log/messages or dmesg
System crash/reboot events without clear cause

Network Indicators:

Sudden loss of network connectivity on affected interfaces

SIEM Query:

EventID=41 OR (Source="kernel" AND Message="panic" OR Message="Oops")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-52667

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-415

Published: May 17, 2024

Last Updated: January 10, 2025

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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