CVE-2023-3610 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published by Google on July 21, 2023. It involves a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component which can lead to local privilege escalation. The vulnerability is associated with a flaw in the error handling of bound chains, specifically in the abort path of NFT_MSG_NEWRULE, requiring CAP_NET_ADMIN to trigger the exploit.

Understanding CVE-2023-3610

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-3610, outlining the vulnerability and its impact, as well as providing technical insights for better understanding and mitigation.

What is CVE-2023-3610?

CVE-2023-3610 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component. This flaw can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation, making it a critical issue that requires immediate attention and remediation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3610

The impact of CVE-2023-3610 is categorized under CAPEC-233 for Privilege Escalation. This means that if exploited, an attacker could potentially elevate their privileges on the affected system, leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3610

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-3610.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a use-after-free condition in the error handling of bound chains within the nf_tables component of the Linux kernel. This flaw can be leveraged by an attacker with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges to escalate their privileges locally.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Linux kernel under the "Kernel" repository hosted on git.kernel.org. Specifically, versions lower than 6.4, such as version 5.9, are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires an attacker to trigger the use-after-free condition in the abort path of NFT_MSG_NEWRULE, utilizing the CAP_NET_ADMIN capability to successfully achieve local privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-3610, it is crucial to implement immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and prioritize patching and updates to safeguard systems from potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the affected systems to a version beyond commit 4bedf9eee016286c835e3d8fa981ddece5338795.
Implement access controls and least privilege principles to restrict unauthorized access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update the Linux kernel to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by relevant organizations such as the Linux kernel maintainers and associated vendors. Promptly apply patches to address vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security posture of your systems.