CVE-2023-53189: linux kernel Integer Underflow — Fix

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ipv6/addrconf: fix a potential refcount underflow for idev Now in addrconf_mod_rs_timer(), reference idev depends on whether rs_timer is not pending. Then modify rs_timer timeout. There is a time gap in [1], during which if the pending rs_timer becomes not pending. It will miss to hold idev, but the rs_timer is activated. Thus rs_timer callback function addrconf_rs_timer() will be executed and put idev later without holding idev. A refcount underflow issue for idev can be caused by this. if (!timer_pending(&idev->rs_timer)) in6_dev_hold(idev); <--------------[1] mod_timer(&idev->rs_timer, jiffies + when); To fix the issue, hold idev if mod_timer() return 0.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

5.5

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-191 CWE-191

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
linux	linux_kernel	3.10.105 — 4.14.322
linux	linux_kernel	4.15 — 4.19.291
linux	linux_kernel	4.20 — 5.4.251
linux	linux_kernel	5.5 — 5.10.188
linux	linux_kernel	5.11 — 5.15.121
linux	linux_kernel	5.16 — 6.1.40
linux	linux_kernel	6.2 — 6.4.5
linux	linux_kernel	All

References

Advisories & Patches

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/06a0716949c22e2aefb648526580671197151acc https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1f656e483eb4733d62f18dfb206a49b78f60f495 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2ad31ce40e8182860b631e37209e93e543790b7c https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/436b7cc7eae7851c184b671ed7a4a64c750b86f7 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/82abd1c37d3bf2a2658b34772c17a25a6f9cca42 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c6395e32935d35e6f935e7caf1c2dac5a95943b4 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c7eeba47058532f6077d6a658e38b6698f6ae71a https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/df62fdcd004afa72ecbed0e862ebb983acd3aa57

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-53189? +

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ipv6/addrconf: fix a potential refcount underflow for idev Now in addrconf_mod_rs_timer(), reference idev depends on whether rs_timer is not pending. Then modify rs_timer timeout. There is a time gap in [1], during which if the pending rs_timer becomes not pending. It will miss to hold idev, but the rs_timer is activated. Thus rs_timer callback function addrconf_rs_timer() will be executed and put idev later without holding idev. A refcount underflow issue for idev can be caused by this. if (!timer_pending(&idev->rs_timer)) in6_dev_hold(idev); <--------------[1] mod_timer(&idev->rs_timer, jiffies + when); To fix the issue, hold idev if mod_timer() return 0. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2023-53189? +

CVE-2023-53189 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.5 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-53189? +

CVE-2023-53189 affects products from linux, specifically: linux_kernel. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2023-53189? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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