CVE-2023-1390 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-1390 article provides insights into a remote denial of service vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's TIPC kernel module. The vulnerability triggers a denial of service condition by spiking the CPU utilization to 100% through the exploitation of a while loop in tipc_link_xmit() function.

Understanding CVE-2023-1390

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-1390, shedding light on what this vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-1390?

CVE-2023-1390 is a remote denial of service vulnerability discovered in the Linux kernel's TIPC kernel module. Through the exploitation of a while loop in tipc_link_xmit(), the vulnerability leads to a sudden spike in CPU utilization to 100%, causing a denial of service situation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1390

The impact of CVE-2023-1390 is significant as it can result in a complete denial of service for affected systems. By sending two small UDP packets to a system with a UDP bearer, the vulnerability triggers the spike in CPU utilization, rendering the system unresponsive.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1390

This section provides a deeper understanding of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the while loop in tipc_link_xmit() encountering an unknown state while attempting to parse SKBs that are not in the queue. This situation occurs when sending specific UDP packets to a system with a UDP bearer, leading to the CPU utilization skyrocketing to 100%.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Linux kernel's TIPC kernel module. Specifically, versions up to kernel 5.11-rc4 are impacted by this vulnerability. Systems running these versions are at risk of experiencing the denial of service condition upon exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-1390 involves sending two small UDP packets to a system with a UDP bearer. This action triggers the vulnerable while loop in tipc_link_xmit(), causing the CPU utilization to instantly surge to 100% and ultimately resulting in a denial of service scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-1390, it is crucial for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability and implement long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers promptly. By updating to the fixed version, which is kernel 5.11-rc4 in this case, systems can mitigate the risk of falling victim to the denial of service vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall system security, users should maintain a proactive approach to security by regularly updating their systems with the latest patches and security updates. Additionally, implementing network security measures and monitoring for abnormal CPU spikes can help in detecting and mitigating similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories from the Linux kernel maintainers and promptly applying patches is essential in safeguarding systems against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1390. Regularly updating the kernel to the latest stable releases ensures that security enhancements and fixes are in place to mitigate potential threats.