CVE-2023-53536: linux kernel Use-After-Free — Fix

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: blk-crypto: make blk_crypto_evict_key() more robust If blk_crypto_evict_key() sees that the key is still in-use (due to a bug) or that ->keyslot_evict failed, it currently just returns while leaving the key linked into the keyslot management structures. However, blk_crypto_evict_key() is only called in contexts such as inode eviction where failure is not an option. So actually the caller proceeds with freeing the blk_crypto_key regardless of the return value of blk_crypto_evict_key(). These two assumptions don't match, and the result is that there can be a use-after-free in blk_crypto_reprogram_all_keys() after one of these errors occurs. (Note, these errors *shouldn't* happen; we're just talking about what happens if they do anyway.) Fix this by making blk_crypto_evict_key() unlink the key from the keyslot management structures even on failure. Also improve some comments.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

7.8

HIGH

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

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-416 Use After Free

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
linux	linux_kernel	5.8 — 5.10.180
linux	linux_kernel	5.11 — 5.15.111
linux	linux_kernel	5.16 — 6.1.28
linux	linux_kernel	6.2 — 6.2.15
linux	linux_kernel	6.3 — 6.3.2

References

Advisories & Patches

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5bb4005fb667c6e2188fa87950f8d5faf2994410 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5c62852942667c613de0458fc797c5b8c36112b5 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5c7cb94452901a93e90c2230632e2c12a681bc92 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/64ef787bb1588475163069c2e62fdd8f6c27b1f6 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/701a8220762ff90615dc91d3543f789391b63298 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/809a5be62e92a444a3c3d7b9f438019d0b322f55

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-53536? +

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: blk-crypto: make blk_crypto_evict_key() more robust If blk_crypto_evict_key() sees that the key is still in-use (due to a bug) or that ->keyslot_evict failed, it currently just returns while leaving the key linked into the keyslot management structures. However, blk_crypto_evict_key() is only called in contexts such as inode eviction where failure is not an option. So actually the caller proceeds with freeing the blk_crypto_key regardless of the return value of blk_crypto_evict_key(). These two assumptions don't match, and the result is that there can be a use-after-free in blk_crypto_reprogram_all_keys() after one of these errors occurs. (Note, these errors *shouldn't* happen; we're just talking about what happens if they do anyway.) Fix this by making blk_crypto_evict_key() unlink the key from the keyslot management structures even on failure. Also improve some comments. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2023-53536? +

CVE-2023-53536 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-53536? +

CVE-2023-53536 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-2023-53536? +

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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