CVE-2023-5345 : What You Need to Know

A use-after-free vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's fs/smb/client component, allowing for the potential exploitation to achieve local privilege escalation. This CVE was published on October 3, 2023, by Google.

Understanding CVE-2023-5345

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2023-5345 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2023-5345?

CVE-2023-5345 refers to a use-after-free vulnerability present in the fs/smb/client component of the Linux kernel. This flaw can be exploited to enable local privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5345

The impact of CVE-2023-5345 is classified under CAPEC-233 as Privilege Escalation. Attackers with access to the affected system could potentially exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges locally.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5345

This section provides a more in-depth look at the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's fs/smb/client component arises from an issue in smb3_fs_context_parse_param, where the ctx->password field was not correctly set to NULL after being freed, leading to a potential double free scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the Linux kernel with the version "0.0." Versions less than 6.6 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-5345 requires local access to the target system. By leveraging the use-after-free flaw, an attacker could potentially escalate their privileges on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-5345 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade past commit e6e43b8aa7cd3c3af686caf0c2e11819a886d705 to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any signs of exploitation or unauthorized access to the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest secure version.
Implement access controls and least privilege principles to limit potential attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Linux kernel maintainers to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.