CVE-2023-53397
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an off-by-one error in the Linux kernel's modpost component, specifically in the is_executable_section() function. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to cause an out-of-bounds array access, potentially leading to kernel crashes or local privilege escalation. It affects systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions.
💻 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 →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 allowing an attacker to gain root access, kernel panic causing system instability or denial of service.
Likely Case
Kernel crash or system instability when building kernel modules with maliciously crafted input.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerable code path isn't triggered during kernel module building.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to build kernel modules. Exploitation would involve crafting malicious kernel module source to trigger the off-by-one condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in stable kernel commits referenced in CVE description
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/02dc8e8bdbe4412cfcf17ee3873e63fa5a55b957
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict kernel module building
allPrevent unauthorized users from building kernel modules to reduce attack surface
chmod 750 /lib/modules
chmod 750 /usr/src
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict kernel module building permissions to trusted users only
- Implement strict access controls on development/build systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from distribution vendor. Vulnerable if using unpatched kernel with modpost component.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version from vendor advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- System crashes during kernel module compilation
- Segmentation faults in modpost
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or segmentation faults in system logs during kernel module building activities🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/02dc8e8bdbe4412cfcf17ee3873e63fa5a55b957
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3a3f1e573a105328a2cca45a7cfbebabbf5e3192
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5e0424cd8a44b5f480feb06753cdf4e1f248d148
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7ee557590bac154d324de446d1cd0444988bd511
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8b2e77050b91199453bf19d0517b047b7339a9e3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cade370efe2f9e2a79ea8587506ffe2b51ac6d2b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cb0cdca5c979bc34c27602e2039562932c2591a4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dd872d5576cc94528f427c7264c2c438928cc6d2
