CVE-2023-52741·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cifs: Fix use-after-free in rdata->read_into_pages() When the network status is unstable, use-after-free may occur when read data from the server. BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in readpages_fill_pages+0x14c/0x7e0 Call Trace: <TASK> dump_stack_lvl+0x38/0x4c print_report+0x16f/0x4a6 kasan_report+0xb7/0x130 readpages_fill_pages+0x14c/0x7e0 cifs_readv_receive+0x46d/0xa40 cifs_demultiplex_thread+0x121c/0x1490 kthread+0x16b/0x1a0 ret_from_fork+0x2c/0x50 </TASK> Allocated by task 2535: kasan_save_stack+0x22/0x50 kasan_set_track+0x25/0x30 __kasan_kmalloc+0x82/0x90 cifs_readdata_direct_alloc+0x2c/0x110 cifs_readdata_alloc+0x2d/0x60 cifs_readahead+0x393/0xfe0 read_pages+0x12f/0x470 page_cache_ra_unbounded+0x1b1/0x240 filemap_get_pages+0x1c8/0x9a0 filemap_read+0x1c0/0x540 cifs_strict_readv+0x21b/0x240 vfs_read+0x395/0x4b0 ksys_read+0xb8/0x150 do_syscall_64+0x3f/0x90 entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x72/0xdc Freed by task 79: kasan_save_stack+0x22/0x50 kasan_set_track+0x25/0x30 kasan_save_free_info+0x2e/0x50 __kasan_slab_free+0x10e/0x1a0 __kmem_cache_free+0x7a/0x1a0 cifs_readdata_release+0x49/0x60 process_one_work+0x46c/0x760 worker_thread+0x2a4/0x6f0 kthread+0x16b/0x1a0 ret_from_fork+0x2c/0x50 Last potentially related work creation: kasan_save_stack+0x22/0x50 __kasan_record_aux_stack+0x95/0xb0 insert_work+0x2b/0x130 __queue_work+0x1fe/0x660 queue_work_on+0x4b/0x60 smb2_readv_callback+0x396/0x800 cifs_abort_connection+0x474/0x6a0 cifs_reconnect+0x5cb/0xa50 cifs_readv_from_socket.cold+0x22/0x6c cifs_read_page_from_socket+0xc1/0x100 readpages_fill_pages.cold+0x2f/0x46 cifs_readv_receive+0x46d/0xa40 cifs_demultiplex_thread+0x121c/0x1490 kthread+0x16b/0x1a0 ret_from_fork+0x2c/0x50 The following function calls will cause UAF of the rdata pointer. readpages_fill_pages cifs_read_page_from_socket cifs_readv_from_socket cifs_reconnect __cifs_reconnect cifs_abort_connection mid->callback() --> smb2_readv_callback queue_work(&rdata->work) # if the worker completes first, # the rdata is freed cifs_readv_complete kref_put cifs_readdata_release kfree(rdata) return rdata->... # UAF in readpages_fill_pages() Similarly, this problem also occurs in the uncache_fill_pages(). Fix this by adjusts the order of condition judgment in the return statement.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.1.12
- Published
- 2024-05-21
Affected versions
From: 5.16
Until: 6.1.12
Fixed in: 6.1.12
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.1.12 or later to resolve a use-after-free vulnerability in CIFS read operations that can occur during network instability. Systems running kernels between 5.16 and 6.1.11 should prioritize this patch, as the vulnerability allows a freed memory pointer to be accessed after network reconnection attempts, potentially leading to system instability or privilege escalation.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia 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 (5.16 to 6.1.11)
- Step 2: Verify CIFS is in use by checking `mount | grep cifs` or `lsmod | grep cifs` to confirm the vulnerable code path exists
- Step 3: Search system logs for KASAN reports or use-after-free errors with `dmesg | grep -i 'use-after-free\|readpages_fill_pages\|KASAN'`
- Step 4: After patching, reboot the system and confirm the new kernel version with `uname -r` (should be 6.1.12 or later)
FAQ
What is CVE-2023-52741?
CVE-2023-52741 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's CIFS implementation that occurs when network connections become unstable. The vulnerability happens when read operations are processed after a network reconnection, causing the kernel to access memory that has already been freed, potentially leading to denial of service or privilege escalation.
Is CVE-2023-52741 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2023-52741 is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available. However, the vulnerability requires no user interaction and only local privilege requirements, making it a moderate operational concern.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-52741?
Linux kernel versions 5.16 through 6.1.11 are affected. The vulnerability was resolved in kernel 6.1.12 and later, as well as through backported patches to earlier stable branches.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2023-52741?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version. If it shows a version between 5.16 and 6.1.11 inclusive, and CIFS is in use (check with `mount | grep cifs`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2023-52741?
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-2023-52741 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2b693fe3f760c87fd9768e759f6297f743a1b3b0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3684a2f6affa1ca52a5d4a12f04d0652efdee65e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/aa5465aeca3c66fecdf7efcf554aed79b4c4b211
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d1fba1e096ffc7ec11df863a97c50203c47315b9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2b693fe3f760c87fd9768e759f6297f743a1b3b0
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