CVE-2023-2166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-2166 article provides insights into a null pointer dereference issue found in the can protocol in net/can/af_can.c in the Linux kernel. The vulnerability may allow a local user to crash the system or potentially cause a denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2023-2166

In this section, we will delve deeper into the details of CVE-2023-2166 to understand its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-2166?

CVE-2023-2166 is a null pointer dereference vulnerability identified in the can protocol implementation in the Linux kernel. Specifically, the issue lies in the receive path of CAN frames where ml_priv may not be properly initialized. This flaw could be exploited by a local user to crash the system or trigger a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2166

The impact of CVE-2023-2166 is significant as it poses a risk of system crashes and potential denial of service scenarios. Attackers with local access could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt system operations, leading to service unavailability and system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2166

This section will provide a detailed overview of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the can protocol in net/can/af_can.c in the Linux kernel arises due to the improper initialization of ml_priv in the receive path of CAN frames. This null pointer dereference issue can be leveraged by a local user to crash the system or initiate a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by CVE-2023-2166 is Linux running versions of the kernel prior to Linux Kernel 6.1 RC9. Systems operating on these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation if not addressed promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2166 requires local access to the system. By leveraging the null pointer dereference issue in the receive path of CAN frames, an attacker can potentially crash the system or disrupt its normal operation, leading to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will explore the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2166 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the CVE-2023-2166 vulnerability, it is crucial to apply security patches or updates released by the Linux kernel maintainers. System administrators should promptly install the necessary fixes to address the null pointer dereference issue in the can protocol implementation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices such as regular software updates, system hardening, least privilege access controls, and monitoring for suspicious activities can help enhance overall system security and resilience against vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2166.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories and updates from the Linux kernel maintainers is essential to stay protected against known vulnerabilities. Regularly monitoring for patches related to CVE-2023-2166 and applying them in a timely manner is crucial to safeguard systems from potential exploitation.