CVE-2023-52735·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf, sockmap: Don't let sock_map_{close,destroy,unhash} call itself sock_map proto callbacks should never call themselves by design. Protect against bugs like [1] and break out of the recursive loop to avoid a stack overflow in favor of a resource leak. [1] https://lore.kernel.org/all/00000000000073b14905ef2e7401@google.com/
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.1.13
- Published
- 2024-05-21
Affected versions
From: 5.16
Until: 6.1.13
Fixed in: 6.1.13
How to fix this CVE
Update the Linux kernel to version 6.1.13 or later to remediate this critical vulnerability affecting eBPF socket map operations. The fix prevents recursive calls within sock_map protocol callbacks that could lead to kernel stack overflow and denial of service. Apply kernel updates 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 the current kernel version with: uname -r | grep -oE '^[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+' — confirm it is below 6.1.13 or within the 5.16-6.1.12 range
- Verify eBPF and socket map functionality is enabled: grep -i ebpf /boot/config-$(uname -r) and check for CONFIG_BPF=y and CONFIG_NET_SOCK_MSG=y
- Monitor kernel logs for stack overflow warnings: dmesg | grep -i 'stack.*overflow\|recursion' — presence of these may indicate exploitation attempts
- After patching, confirm the new kernel is running: uname -r should show version 6.1.13 or higher
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52735?
This vulnerability is a recursive callback bug in Linux kernel's eBPF socket map subsystem where internal protocol handlers could invoke themselves, causing kernel stack exhaustion and system crashes. The flaw affects versions 5.16 through 6.1.12 and requires a kernel update to 6.1.13 or newer for remediation.
Is CVE-2023-52735 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits have been released. However, the critical CVSS 9.1 severity rating and remote attack vector warrant prompt patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52735?
Linux kernel versions 5.16 through 6.1.12 are vulnerable. Kernel 6.1.13 and later versions contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52735?
Run uname -r to display your kernel version. If the output shows a version between 5.16 and 6.1.12 (inclusive), your system is vulnerable and requires a kernel update.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52735?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel package is installed on a monitored server within the affected version range, CVE-2023-52735 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5b4a79ba65a1ab479903fff2e604865d229b70a9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7499859881488da97589f3c79cc66fa75748ad49
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f312367f5246e04df564d341044286e9e37a97ba
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5b4a79ba65a1ab479903fff2e604865d229b70a9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7499859881488da97589f3c79cc66fa75748ad49
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