CVE-2023-52794
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a kernel memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel PowerClamp thermal driver. A type mismatch in the max_idle parameter handling function allows reading beyond allocated memory bounds, potentially exposing sensitive kernel data or causing system instability. This affects Linux systems with the intel_powerclamp module loaded.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory corruption leading to information disclosure of sensitive kernel data, potential privilege escalation, or system crash/instability.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing system instability.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to the specific nature of the parameter handling function and typical usage patterns.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to read the max_idle parameter. The vulnerability is in parameter reading, not writing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in stable kernel commits referenced in CVE
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a8585281b11e3a0723bba8d8085d61f0b55f37c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify intel_powerclamp module loads without errors.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Unload intel_powerclamp module
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable kernel module
sudo rmmod intel_powerclamp
echo 'blacklist intel_powerclamp' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-powerclamp.conf
Restrict parameter access
linuxLimit access to sysfs parameters
sudo chmod 600 /sys/module/intel_powerclamp/parameters/max_idle
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Unload the intel_powerclamp module if not required for system operation
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can read kernel parameters
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if intel_powerclamp module is loaded: lsmod | grep intel_powerclampCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version is patched: uname -r and verify against distribution security advisories📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- KASAN reports of global-out-of-bounds reads
- Kernel oops or crashes related to intel_powerclamp
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
process.name:cat AND file.path:/sys/module/intel_powerclamp/parameters/* AND event.outcome:failure🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a8585281b11e3a0723bba8d8085d61f0b55f37c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6a3866dbdcf39ac93e98708e6abced511733dc18
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fae633cfb729da2771b5433f6b84ae7e8b4aa5f7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a8585281b11e3a0723bba8d8085d61f0b55f37c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6a3866dbdcf39ac93e98708e6abced511733dc18
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fae633cfb729da2771b5433f6b84ae7e8b4aa5f7
