CVE-2023-3212: Null Pointer Dereference

Published Jun 12, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw in the Linux Kernel found in the GFS2 file system. On corrupted gfs2 file systems the evict code can try to reference the journal descriptor structure, jdesc, after it has been freed and set to NULL. It can lead to null pointer dereference when gfs2transbegin being called and then fail ingfs2evictinode().

Reference: https://listman.redhat.com/archives/cluster-devel/2023-April/023914.html

Other sources

A NULL pointer dereference issue was found in the gfs2 file system in the Linux kernel. It occurs on corrupt gfs2 file systems when the evict code tries to reference the journal descriptor structure after it has been freed and set to NULL. A privileged local user could use this flaw to cause a kernel panic.

Launchpad

Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by NULL pointer dereference issue in the gfs2 file system. By sending a specially crafted request, a local authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a kernel panic.

IBM

Affected Software

22 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel<6.4
6.4
Linux Linux kernel<6.4
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc1
Fedoraproject Fedora=38
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=9.0
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 Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
Debian Debian Linux=12.0
All of the following
NetApp H300s Firmware
NetApp H300s
All of the following
NetApp H500s Firmware
NetApp H500s
All of the following
NetApp H700s Firmware
NetApp H700s
All of the following
NetApp H410s Firmware
NetApp H410s
All of the following
NetApp H410c Firmware
NetApp H410c
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1Fixed in 5.10.234-1Fixed in 6.1.129-1Fixed in 6.1.135-1Fixed in 6.12.25-1Fixed in 6.12.27-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.4

Event History

Jun 12, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·05:43 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jun 23, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jan 20, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:23 AM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:13 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-2023-3212?

CVE-2023-3212 is classified as a high severity vulnerability that can lead to a system crash due to a null pointer dereference.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-3212?

To fix CVE-2023-3212, upgrade to the latest kernel version as specified in vendor advisories.

3

Which systems are affected by CVE-2023-3212?

CVE-2023-3212 affects various Linux distributions, including Red Hat, Fedora, and Debian up to specific versions.

4

Is there a patch available for CVE-2023-3212?

Yes, patches for CVE-2023-3212 are included in the kernel updates provided by affected Linux distributions.

5

What are the consequences of exploiting CVE-2023-3212?

Exploitation of CVE-2023-3212 can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially causing system instability or crashes.

Contact

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CVE-2023-3212 - Null Pointer Dereference - SecAlerts