CVE-2023-1295 : What You Need to Know

This CVE, assigned by Google, was published on June 28, 2023. It involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux Kernel, specifically affecting versions 5.6 to 5.11. The issue allows a local user to elevate their privileges to root by exploiting a time-of-check to time-of-use flaw in the io_uring subsystem's IORING_OP_CLOSE operation.

Understanding CVE-2023-1295

This section delves deeper into the nature of the vulnerability and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-1295?

The vulnerability in question arises from a time-of-check to time-of-use issue within the Linux Kernel's io_uring subsystem's IORING_OP_CLOSE operation. This flaw enables a local user to escalate their privileges to root, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1295

The impact of CVE-2023-1295 is classified as a privilege escalation threat (CAPEC-233), which can have severe repercussions on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. Given the high CVSS base score of 7.8, the severity of this vulnerability is deemed high.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1295

In this section, we explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a time-of-check to time-of-use issue in the io_uring subsystem's IORING_OP_CLOSE operation within Linux Kernel versions 5.6 to 5.11. This flaw allows unauthorized local users to gain root-level privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux Kernel versions 5.6 to 5.11 are impacted by this privilege escalation vulnerability, making systems running these versions susceptible to unauthorized privilege elevation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires knowledge of the time-of-check to time-of-use flaw within the io_uring subsystem's IORING_OP_CLOSE operation. By leveraging this weakness, a local user can escalate their privileges to root, potentially compromising the entire system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1295, immediate steps must be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators are advised to apply the necessary patches promptly to remediate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring system activity for any signs of privilege escalation can help detect and respond to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control measures, regular security assessments, and user privilege management can enhance overall system security and prevent privilege escalation threats in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Patches addressing the privilege escalation vulnerability in Linux Kernel versions 5.6 to 5.11 have been released and should be applied without delay. Regularly updating systems and staying informed about security advisories are crucial for maintaining a secure environment.