CVE-2023-3866: Linux Kernel ksmbd Chained Request NULL Pointer Dereference Denial-of-Service Vulnerability

Published Aug 16, 2025
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ksmbd: validate session id and tree id in the compound request

This patch validate session id and tree id in compound request. If first operation in the compound is SMB2 ECHO request, ksmbd bypass session and tree validation. So work->sess and work->tcon could be NULL. If secound request in the compound access work->sess or tcon, It cause NULL pointer dereferecing error.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to create a denial-of-service condition 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 handling of chained requests. The issue results from dereferencing a NULL pointer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to create a denial-of-service condition on the system.

ZDI

Affected Software

12 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Kernel
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1
Linux Linux kernel>=5.15<5.15.121
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.36
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.3.10
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=6.4-rc7

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 Linux kernel ksmbd to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch ksmbd: validate session id and tree id in the compound request
  3. Configuration

    Disable ksmbd (only systems with ksmbd enabled are vulnerable).

    Linux kernel ksmbd ksmbd enabled = disable

Event History

Feb 26, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·03:45 PM
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:14 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Aug 16, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:27 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:27 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-3866?

CVE-2023-3866 is rated as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause a denial-of-service condition.

2

How does CVE-2023-3866 affect Linux Kernel installations?

CVE-2023-3866 allows remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without authentication, leading to service disruption.

3

What versions of Linux Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-3866?

CVE-2023-3866 affects specific versions of the Linux Kernel, including versions 5.10.223-1, 5.10.226-1, 6.1.119-1, and 6.12.11-1.

4

How can I remediate CVE-2023-3866?

To fix CVE-2023-3866, users should upgrade to the latest patched version of the Linux Kernel provided by their distribution.

5

Is authentication required to exploit CVE-2023-3866?

No, authentication is not required to exploit CVE-2023-3866, making it particularly critical for affected systems.

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