Race Condition Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2023-23039
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2023-23039: An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel through 6.2.0-rc2. Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It is widely used in various distributions, including Debian. The kernel's functionality includes process management, memory management, device drivers, and system calls. This vulnerability affects the kernel's handling of VCC devices, which are used for virtual communication connections.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel through version 6.2.0-rc2, specifically in the file drivers/tty/vcc.c. The vulnerability arises from a race condition that occurs when a physically proximate attacker removes a VCC device while the system is attempting to open it. This leads to a use-after-free condition, which can potentially allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the system. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2023-23039 and affects multiple Debian versions, including Debian 11, 12, 13, and 14.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid connecting or disconnecting VCC devices while the system is attempting to open them. This may help mitigate the risk of exploitation until a patch is applied.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-23039 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to severe security implications if left unaddressed. Users are encouraged to update their systems promptly and consider using Vulert for ongoing vulnerability monitoring.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2023-23039 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows for a race condition and use-after-free scenario when handling VCC devices.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the system, posing a significant security risk.
Yes, a patch is available. Users should update their Linux package to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
If an immediate update is not possible, avoid interacting with VCC devices while the system is opening them to reduce the risk of exploitation.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
