CVE-2023-4133 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-4133 was published by Red Hat on August 3, 2023. It is classified as having a moderate severity rating and affects the kernel in Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 7, 8, and 9, as well as Fedora.

Understanding CVE-2023-4133

This vulnerability, named "Kernel: cxgb4: use-after-free in ch_flower_stats_cb()", is a use-after-free flaw found in the cxgb4 driver in the Linux kernel. It allows a local user to crash the system, leading to a denial of service condition.

What is CVE-2023-4133?

CVE-2023-4133 is a use-after-free vulnerability that occurs when the cxgb4 device detaches due to a possible rearming of the flower_stats_timer from the work queue. This vulnerability can be exploited by a local user to crash the system, causing a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4133

The impact of CVE-2023-4133 includes a local user being able to crash the system, resulting in a denial of service condition. This vulnerability has a medium severity rating, with a CVSS base score of 5.5.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4133

This section provides detailed technical information regarding the CVE-2023-4133 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the cxgb4 driver of the Linux kernel allows a local user to exploit a use-after-free flaw, leading to a system crash and denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Kernel
Vendor: Red Hat
Affected Versions:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6: Unaffected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7: Affected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: Affected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9: Affected
Product: Fedora
Vendor: Fedora
Affected Version: All versions

Exploitation Mechanism

The use-after-free vulnerability in the cxgb4 driver can be exploited by a local user, allowing them to crash the system and create a denial of service situation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your systems from CVE-2023-4133, follow the mitigation strategies outlined below:

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor official security advisories from Red Hat and apply patches promptly.
Implement proper access controls to limit potential exploit opportunities.
Consider restricting access to vulnerable systems until patches are applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch your systems to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.
Implement security best practices and configuration guidelines recommended by Red Hat.

Patching and Updates

Red Hat has released patches to address this vulnerability in affected versions. Ensure timely application of these patches to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-4133.