CVE-2023-32254: Linux Kernel ksmbd Tree Connection Race Condition Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Apr 28, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's ksmbd, a high-performance in-kernel SMB server. The specific flaw exists within the processing of SMB2TREEDISCONNECT commands. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the kernel.

Other sources

An improper locking issue leading to a race condition vulnerability was found in ksmbd, a high-performance in-kernel SMB server. Quoting ZDI security advisory [1]:

"This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Linux Kernel. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability, but only systems with ksmbd enabled are vulnerable.

The specific flaw exists within the processing of SMB2TREEDISCONNECT commands. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the kernel."

[1] https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-CAN-20592/

Red Hat

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel<6.4
6.4
Linux Linux kernel<6.4
Linux Kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.15<5.15.145
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.28
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.2.15
Linux Linux kernel>=6.3<6.3.2
NetApp Hci Management Node
NetApp H300s
NetApp H410s
NetApp H500s
NetApp H700s
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Jul 10, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:11 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:11 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Jan 12, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:20 AM
Description
Feb 26, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·03:45 PM
May 2, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:14 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-32254?

CVE-2023-32254 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow unauthorized access via improperly locked operations.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-32254?

To mitigate CVE-2023-32254, update to the latest kernel versions as recommended by your Linux distribution, specifically versions 6.4 or patched versions of earlier kernels.

3

Which systems are affected by CVE-2023-32254?

CVE-2023-32254 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those between 5.15.0 and 6.4.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2023-32254?

CVE-2023-32254 is a locking flaw in the Linux kernel's ksmbd SMB server that can be exploited through the processing of SMB2_TREE_DISCONNECT commands.

5

Who discovered CVE-2023-32254?

CVE-2023-32254 was reported through security advisories and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative.

Contact

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