CVE-2023-1079: Use After Free

Published Feb 26, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel. A use-after-free may be triggered in asuskbdbacklightset when plugging/disconnecting in a malicious USB device, which advertises itself as an Asus device. Similarly to the previous known CVE-2023-25012, but in asus devices, the workstruct may be scheduled by the LED controller while the device is disconnecting, triggering a use-after-free on the struct asuskbdleds led structure. A malicious USB device may exploit the issue to cause memory corruption with controlled data.

Reference: https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/next/linux-next.git/commit/?id=4ab3a086d10eeec1424f2e8a968827a6336203df

Other sources

Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a denial of service, caused by a use-after-free flaw flaw in the asuskbdbacklightset function. By using a specially-crafted USB device, a physical attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial of service condition.

— IBM

Affected Software

134 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<6.3
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager software component<=ISVG 10.0.2
IBM Security Verify Governance, Identity Manager virtual appliance component<=ISVG 10.0.2
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1
redhat/kernel<6.3
6.3
ubuntu/linux-azure<4.15.0-1173.188~14.04.1
4.15.0-1173.188~14.04.1
ubuntu/linux-aws-hwe<4.15.0-1164.177~16.04.1
4.15.0-1164.177~16.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure<4.15.0-1173.188~16.04.1
4.15.0-1173.188~16.04.1
ubuntu/linux-gcp<4.15.0-1158.175~16.04.1
4.15.0-1158.175~16.04.1
ubuntu/linux-hwe<4.15.0-221.232~16.04.1
4.15.0-221.232~16.04.1
ubuntu/linux-oracle<4.15.0-1127.138~16.04.1
4.15.0-1127.138~16.04.1
ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*
ubuntu/linux<4.15.0-221.232
4.15.0-221.232
ubuntu/linux-aws<4.15.0-1164.177
4.15.0-1164.177
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.0*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.4<5.4.0-1104.112~18.04.1
5.4.0-1104.112~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-azure-4.15<4.15.0-1173.188
4.15.0-1173.188
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.4<5.4.0-1110.116~18.04.1
5.4.0-1110.116~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure-edge*
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-4.15<4.15.0-1158.175
4.15.0-1158.175
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.4<5.4.0-1107.116~18.04.1
5.4.0-1107.116~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-gke-4.15*
ubuntu/linux-gke-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-hwe*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.4<5.4.0-152.169~18.04.1
5.4.0-152.169~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*
ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.4<5.4.0-1051.56~18.04.1
5.4.0-1051.56~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-kvm<4.15.0-1148.153
4.15.0-1148.153
ubuntu/linux-oem*
ubuntu/linux-oracle<4.15.0-1127.138
4.15.0-1127.138
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.0*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.4<5.4.0-1103.112~18.04.1
5.4.0-1103.112~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-raspi-5.4<5.4.0-1088.99~18.04.1
5.4.0-1088.99~18.04.1
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips<4.15.0-2103.109
4.15.0-2103.109
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips<4.15.0-2082.88
4.15.0-2082.88
ubuntu/linux-fips<4.15.0-1119.130
4.15.0-1119.130
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips<4.15.0-2066.71
4.15.0-2066.71
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux<5.4.0-152.169
5.4.0-152.169
ubuntu/linux-aws<5.4.0-1104.112
5.4.0-1104.112
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.15<5.15.0-1038.43~20.04.1
5.15.0-1038.43~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure<5.4.0-1110.116
5.4.0-1110.116
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.15<5.15.0-1040.47~20.04.1
5.15.0-1040.47~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-bluefield<5.4.0-1065.71
5.4.0-1065.71
ubuntu/linux-gcp<5.4.0-1107.116
5.4.0-1107.116
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.15<5.15.0-1036.44~20.04.1
5.15.0-1036.44~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-gke<5.4.0-1102.109
5.4.0-1102.109
ubuntu/linux-gke-5.15<5.15.0-1036.41~20.04.1
5.15.0-1036.41~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-gkeop<5.4.0-1071.75
5.4.0-1071.75
ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.15<5.15.0-1022.27~20.04.1
5.15.0-1022.27~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.15<5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-ibm<5.4.0-1051.56
5.4.0-1051.56
ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg-5.15<5.15.0-1033.38~20.04.1
5.15.0-1033.38~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-iot<5.4.0-1017.18
5.4.0-1017.18
ubuntu/linux-kvm<5.4.0-1093.99
5.4.0-1093.99
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15<5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-5.15<5.15.0-1015.15~20.04.1
5.15.0-1015.15~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-oracle<5.4.0-1103.112
5.4.0-1103.112
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.15<5.15.0-1037.43~20.04.1
5.15.0-1037.43~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-raspi<5.4.0-1088.99
5.4.0-1088.99
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.15<5.15.0-1035.39~20.04.1
5.15.0-1035.39~20.04.1
ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp<5.4.0-1024.28
5.4.0-1024.28
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-intel-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.10*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.6*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-raspi2*
ubuntu/linux-riscv*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips<5.4.0-1104.112+fips1
5.4.0-1104.112+fips1
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips<5.4.0-1110.116+fips1
5.4.0-1110.116+fips1
ubuntu/linux-fips<5.4.0-1079.88
5.4.0-1079.88
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips<5.4.0-1107.116+fips1
5.4.0-1107.116+fips1
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux<5.15.0-75.82
5.15.0-75.82
ubuntu/linux-aws<5.15.0-1038.43
5.15.0-1038.43
ubuntu/linux-azure<5.15.0-1040.47
5.15.0-1040.47
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde<5.15.0-1041.48.1
5.15.0-1041.48.1
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-gcp<5.15.0-1036.44
5.15.0-1036.44
ubuntu/linux-gke<5.15.0-1036.41
5.15.0-1036.41
ubuntu/linux-gkeop<5.15.0-1022.27
5.15.0-1022.27
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.19<5.19.0-45.46~22.04.1
5.19.0-45.46~22.04.1
ubuntu/linux-ibm<5.15.0-1032.35
5.15.0-1032.35
ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg<5.15.0-1033.38
5.15.0-1033.38
ubuntu/linux-kvm<5.15.0-1035.40
5.15.0-1035.40
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency<5.15.0-75.82
5.15.0-75.82
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia<5.15.0-1027.27
5.15.0-1027.27
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra<5.15.0-1015.15
5.15.0-1015.15
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.17*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.0*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.1<6.1.0-1009.9
6.1.0-1009.9
ubuntu/linux-oracle<5.15.0-1037.43
5.15.0-1037.43
ubuntu/linux-raspi<5.15.0-1032.35
5.15.0-1032.35
ubuntu/linux-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-riscv*
ubuntu/linux-bluefield<5.15.0-1019.21
5.15.0-1019.21
ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime<5.15.0-1033.35
5.15.0-1033.35
ubuntu/linux-realtime<5.15.0-1040.45
5.15.0-1040.45
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-raspi-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-vmware*

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1Fixed in 5.10.234-1Fixed in 6.1.129-1Fixed in 6.1.135-1Fixed in 6.12.25-1Fixed in 6.12.27-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.3
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1173.188~14.04.1
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-hwe to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1164.177~16.04.1
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1173.188~16.04.1
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1158.175~16.04.1
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-221.232~16.04.1
  8. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1127.138~16.04.1
  9. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-221.232
  10. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1164.177
  11. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1104.112~18.04.1
  12. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-4.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1173.188
  13. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1110.116~18.04.1
  14. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-4.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1158.175
  15. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1107.116~18.04.1
  16. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-152.169~18.04.1
  17. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1051.56~18.04.1
  18. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-kvm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1148.153
  19. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1127.138
  20. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1103.112~18.04.1
  21. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-raspi-5.4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1088.99~18.04.1
  22. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-2103.109
  23. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-2082.88
  24. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-1119.130
  25. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.15.0-2066.71
  26. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-152.169
  27. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1104.112
  28. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1038.43~20.04.1
  29. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1110.116
  30. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1040.47~20.04.1
  31. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-bluefield to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1065.71
  32. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1107.116
  33. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1036.44~20.04.1
  34. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1102.109
  35. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1036.41~20.04.1
  36. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gkeop to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1071.75
  37. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1022.27~20.04.1
  38. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
  39. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1051.56
  40. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1033.38~20.04.1
  41. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-iot to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1017.18
  42. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-kvm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1093.99
  43. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-75.82~20.04.1
  44. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1015.15~20.04.1
  45. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1103.112
  46. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1037.43~20.04.1
  47. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-raspi to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1088.99
  48. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1035.39~20.04.1
  49. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1024.28
  50. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1104.112+fips1
  51. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1110.116+fips1
  52. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1079.88
  53. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.4.0-1107.116+fips1
  54. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-75.82
  55. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1038.43
  56. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1040.47
  57. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1041.48.1
  58. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1036.44
  59. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1036.41
  60. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gkeop to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1022.27
  61. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.19 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.19.0-45.46~22.04.1
  62. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1032.35
  63. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1033.38
  64. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-kvm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1035.40
  65. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-lowlatency to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-75.82
  66. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-nvidia to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1027.27
  67. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1015.15
  68. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oem-6.1 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.0-1009.9
  69. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1037.43
  70. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-raspi to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1032.35
  71. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-bluefield to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1019.21
  72. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1033.35
  73. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.15.0-1040.45
  74. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch 4ab3a086d10eeec1424f2e8a968827a6336203df

Event History

Feb 26, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·06:02 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 27, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via OSV·09:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-1079?

CVE-2023-1079 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential exploitation through malicious USB devices.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-1079?

To fix CVE-2023-1079, update the Linux kernel to version 6.3 or later, or apply the appropriate patches provided by your distribution.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2023-1079?

CVE-2023-1079 affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 6.3, as well as specific IBM Security Verify Governance components up to version ISVG 10.0.2.

4

What exploit techniques are associated with CVE-2023-1079?

CVE-2023-1079 could be exploited through a use-after-free vulnerability triggered by connecting or disconnecting a malicious USB device.

5

Are there any known exploits for CVE-2023-1079?

As of now, there are no publicly available exploits specifically targeting CVE-2023-1079.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203