CVE-2023-4194: Kernel: tap: tap_open(): correctly initialize socket uid next fix of i_uid to current_fsuid

Published Aug 6, 2023
·
Updated

A flaw found in the Linux Kernel. The tun/tap sockets have their socket UID hardcoded to 0 due to a type confusion in their initialization function. While it will be often correct, as tuntap devices require CAPNETADMIN, it may not always be the case, e.g., a non-root user only having that capability. This would make tun/tap sockets being incorrectly treated in filtering/routing decisions, possibly bypassing network filters. The original fix for the CVE-2023-1076 was incorrect. The problem is that the following upstream commits (that were fix for the CVE-2023-1076) - a096ccca6e50 ("tun: tunchropen(): correctly initialize socket uid"), - 66b2c338adce ("tap: tapopen(): correctly initialize socket uid"), pass "inode->iuid" to sockinitdatauid() as the last parameter and that turns out to be entirely bogus.

References: https://lore.kernel.org/all/20230731164237.48365-1-lersek@redhat.com/ https://lore.kernel.org/all/20230731164237.48365-2-lersek@redhat.com/ https://lore.kernel.org/all/20230731164237.48365-3-lersek@redhat.com/

Other sources

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's TUN/TAP functionality. This issue could allow a local user to bypass network filters and gain unauthorized access to some resources. The original patches fixing CVE-2023-1076 are incorrect or incomplete. The problem is that the following upstream commits - a096ccca6e50 ("tun: tunchropen(): correctly initialize socket uid"), - 66b2c338adce ("tap: tapopen(): correctly initialize socket uid"), pass "inode->iuid" to sockinitdatauid() as the last parameter and that turns out to not be accurate.

Launchpad

Affected Software

14 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel<6.5
6.5
Linux Linux kernel<=6.4
Linux Linux kernel=6.5-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.5-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.5-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.5-rc4
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=9.0
Fedoraproject Fedora=37
Fedoraproject Fedora=38
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
Debian Debian Linux=12.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.22-16.12.25-1

Event History

Aug 6, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·02:11 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Aug 7, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:19 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:19 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jan 12, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:25 AM
Description
Dec 1, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:33 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-4194?

CVE-2023-4194 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on non-root users.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-4194?

To fix CVE-2023-4194, you should upgrade your kernel to version 6.5 or later.

3

What versions of the Linux Kernel are affected by CVE-2023-4194?

CVE-2023-4194 affects Linux Kernel versions up to 6.4, including specific release candidates like 6.5-rc1 to 6.5-rc4.

4

Is CVE-2023-4194 present in Red Hat Enterprise Linux?

Yes, CVE-2023-4194 is present in Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions prior to the patched release.

5

Can I find CVE-2023-4194 on Debian Linux distributions?

Yes, CVE-2023-4194 impacts various Debian Linux distributions, including versions 10.0, 11.0, and 12.0.

Contact

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