Linux Kernel: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2023-38431 is a critical-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Linux Kernel from Linux, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 5.15.145, 6.1.34, 6.3.8 as the first without the flaw, so updating Linux Kernel to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.16% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 68% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Linux Kernel to 5.15.145 or 6.1.34 or 6.3.8, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | Linux Kernel | 5.15 up to, but not including, 5.15.145; 5.16 up to, but not including, 6.1.34; 6.2 up to, but not including, 6.3.8 | 5.15.145, 6.1.34, 6.3.8 |
| NetApp | Solidfire & Hci Management Node | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | H300s | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | H410s | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | H500s | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| NetApp | H700s | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 6.3.8. fs/smb/server/connection.c in ksmbd does not validate the relationship between the NetBIOS header's length field and the SMB header sizes, via pdu_size in ksmbd_conn_handler_loop, leading to an out-of-bounds read.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230824-0011/Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Linux Kernel
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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