CVE-2023-39198 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of CVE-2023-39198 highlighting its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-39198

An insight into a race condition leading to use-after-free vulnerability in the QXL driver in the Linux kernel.

What is CVE-2023-39198?

CVE-2023-39198 involves a race condition in the QXL driver in the Linux kernel, specifically in the qxl_mode_dumb_create() function. This vulnerability could result in a use-after-free issue, potentially enabling attackers to launch denial of service attacks or privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39198

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as moderate, with a CVSS base score of 7.5 (high severity). It affects various versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, and the Linux kernel.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39198

A deeper dive into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw originates from the qxl_mode_dumb_create() function dereferencing the qobj returned by qxl_gem_object_create_with_handle(), allowing attackers to trigger a use-after-free issue by guessing the returned handle value.

Affected Systems and Versions

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, 7, 8, 9
Fedora

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability stems from a race condition that can be exploited locally with high attack complexity and privileges required.

Mitigation and Prevention

Recommendations to address the CVE-2023-39198 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

As mitigation options do not meet Red Hat's security criteria, it is crucial to apply relevant security patches and updates provided by the vendors.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure timely installation of security updates, proactively monitor for any unusual activities, and implement proper access controls to mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the respective vendors' websites for patching information and guidelines.