CVE-2023-2177 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-2177, including its description, impact, technical details, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-2177

CVE-2023-2177 is a null pointer dereference vulnerability discovered in the sctp network protocol within the Linux Kernel. This vulnerability can potentially be exploited by a local user to crash the system or cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2023-2177?

The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the handling of stream_in allocation failure in the sctp network protocol. If the stream_in allocation fails, the stream_out is freed but may still be accessed, leading to a null pointer dereference issue.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2177

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a malicious actor to crash the system or trigger a denial of service condition, impacting the stability and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2177

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability's nature and its impact:

Vulnerability Description

The null pointer dereference vulnerability in the sctp network protocol in the Linux Kernel could be leveraged by a local user to potentially crash the system or induce a denial of service scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects systems running the Linux Kernel versions prior to Kernel 5.19 RC17. Organizations utilizing these versions are susceptible to exploitation of this flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with local access to the system could exploit the null pointer dereference issue in the sctp network protocol to manipulate memory pointers and disrupt the system's normal operation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-2177, it is crucial to implement appropriate mitigation measures and security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should monitor security advisories and updates from Linux Kernel maintainers and apply patches promptly.
Limiting access to privileged system resources can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation by malicious actors.
Consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to restrict unauthorized access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Linux Kernel to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the system.
Provide security awareness training to employees to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity risks and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Utilize the provided reference link to access the patch addressing the CVE-2023-2177 vulnerability in the sctp network protocol within the Linux Kernel. Stay informed about future updates and security releases to enhance system security posture.