CVE-2023-5178 : Security Advisory and Response

A critical use-after-free vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's NVMe-oF/TCP subsystem. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-5178, could potentially lead to remote code execution or local privilege escalation if exploited maliciously.

Understanding CVE-2023-5178

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-5178, outlining the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5178?

CVE-2023-5178 is a use-after-free vulnerability located in

nvmet_tcp_free_crypto

in the

drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c

file within the NVMe-oF/TCP subsystem of the Linux kernel.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5178

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could result in a use-after-free condition and potential double-free issue. This may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely or escalate privileges locally.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5178

Examining the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5178 provides insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a logical bug in the NVMe-oF/TCP subsystem, specifically in the

nvmet_tcp_free_crypto

function of the Linux kernel.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Red Hat
Affected Products:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Telecommunications Update Service
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2 Extended Update Support
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
Fedora
Versions: Specific affected versions mentioned for each product by Red Hat.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability may be exploited by a malicious actor to trigger a use-after-free and potentially execute code remotely or elevate local privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-5178 is crucial for maintaining system security and integrity.

Immediate Steps to Take

At present, viable workarounds are not available or do not meet Red Hat's Product Security criteria in terms of ease of use, deployment, applicability, and stability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as network segmentation, least privilege access, and regular security updates, can help mitigate the risks associated with such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

It is imperative to apply the necessary patches and updates provided by Red Hat for the affected systems and versions to address CVE-2023-5178 effectively and enhance overall system security.