CVE-2023-5178: Kernel: use after free in nvmet_tcp_free_crypto in nvme

Published Oct 3, 2023
·
Updated

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c in nvmettcpfreecrypto due to a logical bug in the NVMe-oF/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. In this flaw, a malicious user can cause a UAF and a double free, which may lead to RCE (may also lead to an LPE in case the attacker already has local privileges).

Reference: https://lore.kernel.org/linux-nvme/20231002105428.226515-1-sagi@grimberg.me/

Other sources

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c in nvmettcpfreecrypto due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution or lead to local privilege escalation.

Launchpad

Linux Kernel could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system, caused by a use-after-free flaw in the nvmettcpfreecrypto function in the NVMe-oF/TCP subsystem. By sending a specially crafted request, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system.

IBM

Affected Software

14 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=5.0<5.4.260
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.199
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.137
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.60
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.5.9
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=9.0
NetApp Active Iq Unified Manager Vmware Vsphere
NetApp Solidfire \& Hci Management Node
NetApp Solidfire \& Hci Storage Node
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
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.27-1
redhat/Kernel<6.6
6.6

Event History

Oct 3, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·01:25 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Nov 1, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:32 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:32 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Mar 28, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:59 AM
Description
May 2, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:17 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-5178?

CVE-2023-5178 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux NVMe-oF/TCP Driver.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2023-5178?

The severity of CVE-2023-5178 is high with a CVSS score of 8.8.

3

How does CVE-2023-5178 impact the Linux kernel?

CVE-2023-5178 may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution.

4

What is the affected software for CVE-2023-5178?

The affected software includes Linux kernel versions up to 6.6, Linux kernel version 6.6-rc1 to 6.6-rc6, Redhat Kernel version 6.6, Redhat Enterprise Linux version 8.0, and Redhat Enterprise Linux version 9.0.

5

How can I fix CVE-2023-5178?

To fix CVE-2023-5178, update to Linux kernel version 6.6 or later, or update to a patched version of Redhat Kernel or Redhat Enterprise Linux.

Contact

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