Kernel Vulnerability in Linux Package: Stack Protector Omission Issue
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2023-53491: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: start_kernel: Add no_stack_protector function attribute Back during the discussion of commit a9a3ed1eff36 ("x86: Fix early boot crash on gcc-10, third t... 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 package is a core component of the Debian operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It is widely used across various environments, from servers to personal computers. This package is critical for system stability and security, making it imperative to address any vulnerabilities that may arise.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53491 pertains to the omission of stack protectors in certain function calls within the Linux kernel. This issue originated from a discussion regarding the need for a function attribute to control stack protector usage on a per-function basis. The absence of this attribute can lead to discrepancies in the canary value stored on the stack, potentially resulting in a call to __stack_chk_fail() and subsequent system panic. This vulnerability could compromise system integrity and stability, especially during early boot processes.
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
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can compile their kernel with the -fno-stack-protector flag to avoid the issue temporarily, although this is not recommended as a long-term solution.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2023-53491 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to system instability. It is essential for users to update their systems to the patched version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Regular monitoring and prompt updates are key to maintaining system security.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2023-53491 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that involves the omission of stack protectors, which can lead to system instability.
If exploited, this vulnerability can cause system crashes and instability during the boot process, potentially leading to data loss.
Yes, a patch is available in the form of version 6.4.4-1 for Debian 13 and 14. Users should update their Linux package to this version.
While there are no recommended workarounds, you can temporarily compile your kernel with the -fno-stack-protector flag, but this is not advisable for long-term use.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software without requiring access to the code. Visit https://vulert.com for more information.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
