CVE-2023-5717: Out-of-bounds write in Linux kernel's Linux Kernel Performance Events (perf) component

Published Oct 25, 2023
·
Updated

A heap out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Linux Kernel Performance Events (perf) component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.

If perfreadgroup() is called while an event's siblinglist is smaller than its child's siblinglist, it can increment or write to memory locations outside of the allocated buffer.

We recommend upgrading past commit 32671e3799ca2e4590773fd0e63aaa4229e50c06.

Other sources

Linux Kernel could allow a local authenticated attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system, caused by a heap out-of-bounds write flaw in the Performance Events (perf) component. By sending a specially crafted request using the perfreadgroup() function, an authenticated attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges.

IBM

Affected Software

18 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=3.2.95<3.3
Linux Linux kernel>=3.16.50<3.17
Linux Linux kernel>=4.4<4.14.328
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<4.19.297
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.259
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
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.6-rc6
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

Event History

Oct 25, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:55 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Oct 30, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·08:44 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 20, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:30 AM
Description
May 10, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:18 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-5717?

CVE-2023-5717 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Linux Kernel Performance Events (perf) component that allows for local privilege escalation.

2

How can the CVE-2023-5717 vulnerability be exploited?

The CVE-2023-5717 vulnerability can be exploited by calling perf_read_group() while an event's sibling_list is smaller than its child's sibling_list, allowing for a heap out-of-bounds write.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2023-5717?

The Linux kernel versions between 4.4 and 6.6, as well as Linux kernel versions 6.6-rc1, 6.6-rc2, 6.6-rc3, 6.6-rc4, 6.6-rc5, and 6.6-rc6 are affected by CVE-2023-5717.

4

What is the severity of CVE-2023-5717?

CVE-2023-5717 has a severity rating of 7.8 (High).

5

How can I fix the CVE-2023-5717 vulnerability?

To fix the CVE-2023-5717 vulnerability, it is recommended to update to a patched version of the Linux kernel.

Contact

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