CVE-2023-3358 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on June 28, 2023, by Red Hat. It involves a null pointer dereference in the Linux kernel's Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH) driver, potentially leading to system crashes when exploited by a local user.

Understanding CVE-2023-3358

This section provides an overview of the critical aspects related to CVE-2023-3358.

What is CVE-2023-3358?

CVE-2023-3358 is a vulnerability discovered in the Linux kernel's Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH) driver. The issue arises from a null pointer dereference, enabling a local user to crash the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3358

The impact of CVE-2023-3358 can be severe as it provides an opportunity for a local attacker to disrupt the stability of the system by causing it to crash. This could potentially lead to a denial of service condition and impact system availability and performance.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3358

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3358 to understand the vulnerability better.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH) driver results from a null pointer dereference. This flaw can be exploited by a local user to crash the system, posing a risk to system stability and performance.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this CVE is the Kernel, specifically version "kernel 6.1-rc8". Systems running this specific version are at risk of being impacted by CVE-2023-3358.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability requires the presence of a local user with access to the system. By leveraging the null pointer dereference in the ISH driver, the attacker can trigger system crashes, leading to potential denial of service situations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-3358 is crucial for maintaining system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply patches or updates provided by the Linux kernel to address the vulnerability promptly.
Limiting access to the vulnerable system to trusted users can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update the system software to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.
Implementing least privilege access controls can limit the impact of potential attacks by restricting user permissions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by the Linux kernel community.
Promptly apply patches and updates to the affected systems to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-3358 and similar vulnerabilities.