CVE-2023-1281: UAF in Linux kernel's tcindex (traffic control index filter) implementation

Published Mar 22, 2023
·
Updated

A Use After Free vulnerability in Linux kernel traffic control index filter (tcindex) allows Privilege Escalation. The imperfect hash area can be updated while packets are traversing, which will cause a use-after-free when 'tcfextsexec()' is called with the destroyed tcfext.

A local attacker user can use this vulnerability to elevate its privileges to root.

This issue affects Linux Kernel: from 4.14 before git commit ee059170b1f7e94e55fa6cadee544e176a6e59c2.

https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=ee059170b1f7e94e55fa6cadee544e176a6e59c2

Other sources

Linux Kernel could allow a local authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system, caused by a use-after-free flaw in the traffic control index filter (tcindex). By sending a specially crafted request, an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges to root.

IBM

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=4.14<5.10.169
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.95
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.13
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc7
Linux Linux kernel=6.2-rc8
redhat/Kernel<6.2
6.2
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager software component<=ISVG 10.0.2
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager virtual appliance component<=ISVG 10.0.2
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Mar 22, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:18 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:18 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Mar 26, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·02:52 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 21, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:37 AM
Description
May 2, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·05:20 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-1281?

CVE-2023-1281 is classified as a Privilege Escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-1281?

To fix CVE-2023-1281, upgrade to Linux kernel version 6.2 or apply the relevant patches for affected versions.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2023-1281?

CVE-2023-1281 affects Linux kernel versions from 4.14 up to 6.1.13, as well as specific release candidates.

4

What systems are affected by CVE-2023-1281?

CVE-2023-1281 affects multiple systems including Red Hat's Kernel and IBM's Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager components.

5

What is a Use After Free vulnerability like CVE-2023-1281?

A Use After Free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to exploit opportunities.

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