CVE-2023-22024 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published by Oracle on September 20, 2023. It involves a vulnerability in the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) that can be exploited by a malicious local user to crash the kernel. The vulnerability is assigned a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 5.5, indicating moderate severity with a high impact on availability.

Understanding CVE-2023-22024

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-22024, exploring the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-22024?

CVE-2023-22024 is a vulnerability found in the RDS module in the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) that allows a local user with specific privileges to crash the kernel. The issue arises from two non-reentrant setsockopt(2) options, RDS_CONN_RESET and RDS6_CONN_RESET.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22024

The impact of CVE-2023-22024 is notable in terms of availability, as it can be exploited by a malicious actor to disrupt the normal functioning of the kernel. With a CVSS 3.1 Base Score of 5.5, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk that organizations need to address promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22024

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22024, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the RDS module of the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) arises from the non-reentrant setsockopt(2) options, RDS_CONN_RESET and RDS6_CONN_RESET. A local user with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges can exploit this flaw to crash the kernel.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected by CVE-2023-22024:

Oracle Linux: 6, 7, 8, 9
Oracle VM: 3

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-22024, a malicious local user with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges can utilize the non-reentrant setsockopt(2) options in the RDS module to trigger a kernel crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-22024 requires immediate steps to address the vulnerability and establish long-term security practices within the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should consider restricting privileges, monitoring system logs for suspicious activities, and applying relevant security patches promptly to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-22024.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices such as regular security audits, maintaining up-to-date security configurations, and conducting employee training on secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor vendor advisories, such as the Oracle Advisory for CVE-2023-22024, and apply recommended patches and updates to address security vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the systems.