CVE-2023-52628·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nftables: exthdr: fix 4-byte stack OOB write If priv->len is a multiple of 4, then dst[len / 4] can write past the destination array which leads to stack corruption. This construct is necessary to clean the remainder of the register in case ->len is NOT a multiple of the register size, so make it conditional just like nft_payload.c does. The bug was added in 4.1 cycle and then copied/inherited when tcp/sctp and ip option support was added. Bug reported by Zero Day Initiative project (ZDI-CAN-21950, ZDI-CAN-21951, ZDI-CAN-21961).
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.5.4
- Published
- 2024-03-28
Affected versions
From: 6.2
Until: 6.5.4
Fixed in: 6.5.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.5.4 or later to patch a stack buffer overflow in the netfilter extension header processing module. This vulnerability allows local attackers with unprivileged access to corrupt kernel memory and trigger denial of service or information disclosure. Apply the kernel update through your distribution's package manager and reboot the system to activate the patched kernel.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check installed kernel version: uname -r — confirm if version is between 6.2 and 6.5.3
- Verify netfilter nftables is loaded: lsmod | grep nf_tables — if output is empty, the vulnerable module is not active
- Search kernel logs for stack corruption or memory access violations: sudo dmesg | grep -i 'stack\|overflow\|corruption\|nftables' — look for BUG or WARNING messages
- After patching, confirm new kernel is running: uname -r — should show 6.5.4 or higher
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52628?
CVE-2023-52628 is a stack buffer overflow in the Linux kernel's netfilter extension header (exthdr) processing code. When processing packet extensions with lengths that are multiples of 4 bytes, the code writes beyond the allocated stack buffer, causing memory corruption that can crash the system or leak sensitive data.
Is CVE-2023-52628 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2023-52628 is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are currently available. However, the vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative, indicating it was discovered through coordinated research.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52628?
Linux kernel versions 6.2 through 6.5.3 are affected. The bug was introduced in the 4.1 cycle but only recently discovered and publicly disclosed. Kernel 6.5.4 and later versions contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52628?
Run 'uname -r' to display your kernel version; if it shows 6.2.x through 6.5.3, your system is vulnerable. Additionally, confirm nftables is enabled with 'lsmod | grep nf_tables' — if the module is not loaded, local exploitation is less likely but the vulnerability still exists in the kernel.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52628?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2023-52628 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1ad7b189cc1411048434e8595ffcbe7873b71082
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/28a97c43c9e32f437ebb8d6126f9bb7f3ca9521a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a7d86a77c33ba1c357a7504341172cc1507f0698
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c8f292322ff16b9a2272a67de396c09a50e09dce
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cf39c4f77a773a547ac2bcf30ecdd303bb0c80cb
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