CVE-2023-1838: Use After Free

Published May 18, 2022
·
Updated

A use-after-free flaw was found in vhostnetsetbackend in drivers/vhost/net.c in virtio network subcomponent in the Linux kernel due to a double fget. This flaw could allow a local attacker to crash the system, and could even lead to a kernel information leak problem.

Other sources

Linux Kernel could allow a local authenticated attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by a use-after-free flaw in the vhostnetsetbackend function in drivers/vhost/net.c in the virtio network subcomponent. By sending a specially crafted request, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information or cause the system to crash.

IBM

Affected Software

16 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<5.18_25
Linux Linux kernel>=4.13<4.14.317
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<4.19.245
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.196
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.118
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.42
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<5.17.10
NetApp H300s
NetApp H410c
NetApp H410s
NetApp H500s
NetApp H700s
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
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.22-16.12.25-1
redhat/kernel 5.18<25
25

Event History

May 18, 2022
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·04:39 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Apr 5, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Apr 19, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·03:13 PM
Description
Apr 30, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·11:48 PM
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-2023-1838?

CVE-2023-1838 has a high severity due to the potential for local attackers to crash systems or exploit kernel information leaks.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-1838?

To fix CVE-2023-1838, update your Linux kernel to versions that are patched, such as those above 5.18 and specified remedied versions from Debian and IBM.

3

What are the affected systems for CVE-2023-1838?

CVE-2023-1838 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, IBM Security Verify Governance, and specific NetApp models.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2023-1838?

CVE-2023-1838 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel, specifically in the vhost_net_set_backend function.

5

Can CVE-2023-1838 lead to remote code execution?

While CVE-2023-1838 primarily allows for system crashes and information leaks, it does not directly lead to remote code execution.

Contact

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