Observable discrepancy in Linux kernel - CVE-2023-3640

Vulnerability details

The vulnerability allows a local user to execute arbitrary code.

A possible unauthorized memory access flaw was found in the Linux kernel's cpu_entry_area mapping of X86 CPU data to memory, where a user may guess the location of exception stacks or other important data. Based on the previous CVE-2023-0597, the 'Randomize per-cpu entry area' feature was implemented in /arch/x86/mm/cpu_entry_area.c, which works through the init_cea_offsets() function when KASLR is enabled. However, despite this feature, there is still a risk of per-cpu entry area leaks. This issue could allow a local user to gain access to some important data with memory in an expected location and potentially escalate their privileges on the system.

Affected software

How to mitigate CVE-2023-3640

Links to Public Exploits and PoC-codes

• Exploit #10080 - CVE-2023-3640 (SCTF 2023 kernel pwn && CVE-2023-3640) (June 21, 2024)

External References

• https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2217523
• https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2023-3640

Related Security Bulletins

• Observable discrepancy in Linux kernel
• Multiple vulnerabilities in IBM Storage Scale System