CVE-2023-5972 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was published on November 23, 2023, by Red Hat. It has a Red Hat severity rating of "Moderate" and is classified as a high severity vulnerability with a CVSS base score of 7.

Understanding CVE-2023-5972

This vulnerability is related to the nft_inner.c functionality in the Linux kernel, specifically involving the nfta_inner_num and nfta_expr_name netlink attributes. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a local user crashing the system or escalating their privileges.

What is CVE-2023-5972?

CVE-2023-5972 is a null pointer dereference flaw found in the netfilter component of the Linux kernel. It allows a local user to potentially crash the system or gain elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5972

The impact of this vulnerability is considered high, with potential consequences including system crashes or unauthorized privilege escalation by local users. It presents a significant risk to the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5972

This vulnerability is associated with a null pointer dereference flaw in the nft_inner.c functionality of netfilter within the Linux kernel.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the nfta_inner_num and nfta_expr_name netlink attributes being accessed without proper validation in the nft_inner.c file, leading to a null pointer dereference issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following systems are affected by CVE-2023-5972:

Kernel (unspecified vendor): Status - affected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6: Status - unaffected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7: Status - unaffected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: Status - unaffected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9: Status - unaffected
Fedora: Status - affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally, with low privileges required. An attacker could potentially trigger the null pointer dereference flaw to crash the system or gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address the CVE-2023-5972 vulnerability and implement long-term security practices to enhance system protection.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor for security updates related to the Linux kernel component.
Apply patches released by Red Hat or relevant vendors promptly.
Limit user privileges to reduce the impact of potential exploits.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update system components to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Implement access controls and user privilege management to restrict unauthorized activities.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the vendor-specific URLs provided for updates and patches:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6: Link
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7: Link
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: Link
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9: Link
Fedora: Link

By following these mitigation strategies and staying informed about security updates, organizations can enhance the resilience of their systems against the CVE-2023-5972 vulnerability.