Spectre v2 SMT mitigations bypass in Linux kernel



| Updated: 2024-10-25
Risk Low
Patch available YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
CVE-ID CVE-2023-1998
CWE-ID CWE-254
Exploitation vector Local
Public exploit Public exploit code for vulnerability #1 is available.
Vulnerable software
 Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor Linux Foundation

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.

1) Security features bypass

EUVDB-ID: #VU75454

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-1998

CWE-ID: CWE-254 - Security Features

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to bypass implemented security restrictions.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect implementation of the Spectre v2 SMT mitigations, related to calling prctl with PR_SET_SPECULATION_CTRL. An attacker can gain unauthorized access to kernel memory from userspace.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: before

CPE2.3 External links

https://kernel.dance/#6921ed9049bc7457f66c1596c5b78aec0dae4a9d
https://github.com/google/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-mj4w-6495-6crx
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/6921ed9049bc7457f66c1596c5b78aec0dae4a9d


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.



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