CVE-2023-4623: Use-after-free in Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_hfsc (HFSC qdisc traffic control) component

Published Sep 6, 2023
·
Updated

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: schhfsc (HFSC qdisc traffic control) component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

If a class with a link-sharing curve (i.e. with the HFSCFSC flag set) has a parent without a link-sharing curve, then initvf() will call vttreeinsert() on the parent, but vttreeremove() will be skipped in updatevf(). This leaves a dangling pointer that can cause a use-after-free.

We recommend upgrading past commit b3d26c5702c7d6c45456326e56d2ccf3f103e60f.

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 net/sched: schhfsc (HFSC qdisc traffic control) component. By sending a specially crafted request, an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges.

IBM

Affected Software

14 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<=2.5.75
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc1
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
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.12<4.14.327
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<4.19.295
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.257
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.195
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.132
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.53
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.4.16
Linux Linux kernel>=6.5<6.5.3
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.22-16.12.25-1

Event History

Sep 6, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:56 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:56 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·06:06 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 20, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:29 AM
Description
May 2, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:49 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-4623?

CVE-2023-4623 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_hfsc (HFSC qdisc traffic control) component that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

2

How can CVE-2023-4623 be exploited?

CVE-2023-4623 can be exploited by a local attacker to achieve privilege escalation.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2023-4623?

The Linux kernel versions up to and including 2.5.75 and version 2.6.12-rc1 are affected by CVE-2023-4623.

4

What is the severity of CVE-2023-4623?

CVE-2023-4623 has a severity rating of 7.8 (high).

5

How can I fix CVE-2023-4623?

To fix CVE-2023-4623, it is recommended to update to a patched version of the Linux kernel.

Contact

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