CVE-2023-52475·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: Input: powermate - fix use-after-free in powermate_config_complete syzbot has found a use-after-free bug [1] in the powermate driver. This happens when the device is disconnected, which leads to a memory free from the powermate_device struct. When an asynchronous control message completes after the kfree and its callback is invoked, the lock does not exist anymore and hence the bug. Use usb_kill_urb() on pm->config to cancel any in-progress requests upon device disconnection. [1] https://syzkaller.appspot.com/bug?extid=0434ac83f907a1dbdd1e
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.5.8
- Published
- 2024-02-29
Affected versions
From: 6.2
Until: 6.5.8
Fixed in: 6.5.8
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.5.8 or later to resolve a use-after-free vulnerability in the powermate USB driver. This flaw occurs when a device is disconnected while an asynchronous control message is still pending, causing the kernel to access freed memory when the callback executes. Apply this patch promptly to prevent potential kernel crashes or privilege escalation from local attackers with device access.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your current kernel version by running: uname -r
- Verify if the powermate driver is loaded: lsmod | grep powermate
- Compare your kernel version against 6.5.8 — if less than 6.5.8 and between 6.2–6.5.7, you are vulnerable
- After applying the kernel update, reboot and confirm with uname -r that the new version is active
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52475?
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's powermate USB driver that occurs when a device disconnects while an asynchronous control request is in-flight, allowing the callback to reference freed memory and potentially crash the kernel.
Is CVE-2023-52475 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52475?
Linux kernel versions 6.2 through 6.5.7 are vulnerable; version 6.5.8 and later include the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52475?
Run `uname -r` to obtain your kernel version. If the version is between 6.2 and 6.5.7 and you use powermate devices, your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52475?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2023-52475 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2efe67c581a2a6122b328d4bb6f21b3f36f40d46
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5aa514100aaf59868d745196258269a16737c7bd
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5c15c60e7be615f05a45cd905093a54b11f461bc
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/67cace72606baf1758fd60feb358f4c6be92e1cc
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6a4a396386404e62fb59bc3bde48871a64a82b4f
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