CVE-2023-4921: Use-after-free in Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_qfq component

Published Sep 12, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw in the Linux Kernel found. A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: schqfq component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. When the plug qdisc is used as a class of the qfq qdisc, sending network packets triggers use-after-free in qfqdequeue() due to the incorrect .peek handler of schplug and lack of error checking in aggdequeue().

References: https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/8fc134fee27f2263988ae38920bc03da416b03d8

Other sources

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: schqfq component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

When the plug qdisc is used as a class of the qfq qdisc, sending network packets triggers use-after-free in qfqdequeue() due to the incorrect .peek handler of schplug and lack of error checking in aggdequeue().

We recommend upgrading past commit 8fc134fee27f2263988ae38920bc03da416b03d8.

MITRE

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: schqfq component. By sending a specially crafted request, an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges.

IBM

Affected Software

12 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=3.8<6.6
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>=3.8<4.14.326
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<6.1.54
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.5.4
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 12, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:45 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:45 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Oct 22, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:48 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 20, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:29 AM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-4921?

CVE-2023-4921 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_qfq component that can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

2

How severe is CVE-2023-4921?

CVE-2023-4921 has a severity rating of 7.8 (high).

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2023-4921?

CVE-2023-4921 affects the Linux Kernel versions 3.8 to 6.6.

4

How can CVE-2023-4921 be exploited?

CVE-2023-4921 can be exploited by sending network packets when the plug qdisc is used as a class of the qfq qdisc, triggering a use-after-free vulnerability in qfq_dequeue().

5

Are there any references for CVE-2023-4921?

Yes, you can find references for CVE-2023-4921 at the following links: [Link 1](https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8fc134fee27f2263988ae38920bc03da416b03d8) and [Link 2](https://kernel.dance/8fc134fee27f2263988ae38920bc03da416b03d8).

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