CVE-2023-2163: Incorrect Verifier Branch Pruning Logic Leads To Arbitrary Read/Write In Linux Kernel and Lateral Privilege Escalation

Published Sep 20, 2023
·
Updated

Incorrect verifier pruning in BPF in Linux Kernel >=5.4 leads to unsafe code paths being incorrectly marked as safe, resulting in arbitrary read/write in kernel memory, lateral privilege escalation, and container escape.

Other sources

Linux Kernel could allow a local authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system, caused by an incorrect verifier pruning in BPF subsystem. By sending a specially crafted request, an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges.

IBM

Affected Software

17 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=5.3<5.4.242
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.179
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.109
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.26
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.2.13
Linux Linux kernel>=5.4<6.3
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=6.3-rc7
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
redhat/kernel<6.3
6.3

Event History

Sep 20, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:02 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:02 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Sep 22, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·05:40 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 12, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:15 AM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:11 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-2023-2163?

CVE-2023-2163 has a severity rating that can lead to arbitrary read/write in kernel memory and lateral privilege escalation.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-2163?

To fix CVE-2023-2163, upgrade to a kernel version higher than 6.3 or apply the specific patches provided by your Linux distribution.

3

Which Linux kernel versions are affected by CVE-2023-2163?

CVE-2023-2163 affects Linux Kernel versions from 5.4 up to but not including 6.3.

4

Can CVE-2023-2163 be exploited for container escape?

Yes, CVE-2023-2163 can potentially be exploited to escape from containers due to the privilege escalation it enables.

5

What components are impacted by CVE-2023-2163?

CVE-2023-2163 impacts various components including the Linux kernel and specific IBM Security Verify Governance versions.

Contact

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