Critical CPU Resource Management Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2023-52942
Summary
CVE-2023-52942: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cgroup/cpuset: Fix wrong check in update_parent_subparts_cpumask() It was found that the check to see if a partition could use up all the cpus from the... Affects linux versions < 6.1.11-1. Fixed in 6.1.11-1. 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
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
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 supports various functionalities, including process management, memory management, and device control. This vulnerability affects the cgroup/cpuset subsystem, which is crucial for managing CPU resources among different processes and containers. The flaw can lead to severe resource allocation issues, potentially causing system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a flaw was identified in the cgroup/cpuset subsystem, specifically in the update_parent_subparts_cpumask() function. The vulnerability arises from an incorrect check that allows a child cpuset to consume all CPU resources from its parent cpuset, even when tasks are still running in the parent. This can result in the parent cpuset being left with no effective CPUs, leading to a system panic. The issue was reported in a mailing list discussion and has been addressed in a patch.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.1.11-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating the Linux package as described above.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-52942 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to severe resource management issues. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the patched version to avoid potential system instability. Regular monitoring of vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain system security.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2023-52942 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that affects the cgroup/cpuset subsystem, allowing a child cpuset to potentially consume all CPU resources from its parent, leading to system instability.
If exploited, this vulnerability can cause the parent cpuset to have no effective CPUs available, which may lead to a system panic and disrupt normal operations.
The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 6.1.11-1 on Debian systems, specifically Debian 12 and 13.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By simply using a manifest file like package-lock.json, Vulert can alert you in real-time about vulnerabilities.
Currently, there are no known workarounds to mitigate this vulnerability without applying the patch. Updating the package is the recommended solution.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
