CVE-2023-52479·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: fix uaf in smb20_oplock_break_ack drop reference after use opinfo.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.5.7
- Published
- 2024-02-29
Affected versions
From: 6.2
Until: 6.5.7
Fixed in: 6.5.7
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.5.7 or later to resolve a use-after-free vulnerability in the SMB 2.0 oplock break acknowledgment handler. This flaw could allow a local privileged attacker to cause a denial of service or potentially escalate privileges through memory corruption. Apply the patch immediately on systems running kernel versions 6.2 through 6.5.6.
sudo dnf update kernelDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against the affected range 6.2.x through 6.5.6
- Step 2: Verify ksmbd (SMB server) is enabled with `lsmod | grep ksmbd` to determine if the vulnerable code path is loaded
- Step 3: Search system logs for oplock-related errors with `grep -i 'oplock\|smb20' /var/log/kern.log /var/log/messages` to identify potential exploitation attempts
- Step 4: After patching, reboot and confirm the new kernel version with `uname -r`, then verify ksmbd loads without errors using `dmesg | grep ksmbd`
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52479?
This vulnerability is a use-after-free bug in the Linux kernel's SMB 2.0 oplock break acknowledgment handler that occurs when a reference counter is not properly decremented after use, potentially allowing memory corruption and system instability.
Is CVE-2023-52479 being actively exploited?
No, this CVE is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are available. However, the high CVSS score of 7.1 indicates it should be prioritized for remediation.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52479?
Linux kernel versions 6.2.0 through 6.5.6 are vulnerable; version 6.5.7 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52479?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version. If it falls between 6.2 and 6.5.6 (inclusive), your system is vulnerable and requires immediate patching.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52479?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2023-52479 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/694e13732e830cbbfedb562e57f28644927c33fd
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8226ffc759ea59f10067b9acdf7f94bae1c69930
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c69813471a1ec081a0b9bf0c6bd7e8afd818afce
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d5b0e9d3563e7e314a850e81f42b2ef6f39882f9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/694e13732e830cbbfedb562e57f28644927c33fd
Track CVEs across your fleet automatically
Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2023-52479. Free for 1 server.
Get started free