CVE-2023-4611 Siemens CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, administrators, and users with untrusted local access should assess exposure and prioritize verification. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel deployments, especially for systems with untrusted local users. Verification of Linux kernel versions and configurations is required. Patching or updating Linux kernel may be necessary.

Why it matters

CVE-2023-4611 is a use-after-free flaw in the Linux Kernel's memory management subsystem that may allow local attackers to crash the system or leak kernel information. Linux kernel maintainers, administrators, and users with untrusted local access should assess exposure and prioritize verification.

• Local attackers may crash the system
• Local attackers may leak kernel information
• Verification of Linux kernel versions and configurations is required
• Patching or updating Linux kernel may be necessary

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a race between mbind() and VMA-locked page fault in mm/mempolicy.c. This use-after-free flaw may allow a local attacker to crash the system or lead to a kernel information leak. The flaw is in the Linux Kernel's memory management subsystem. Linux kernel maintainers, administrators, and users with untrusted local access should assess exposure and prioritize verification. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score and vector. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7 and a severity of HIGH.

Defensive priority

Assess exposure and prioritize verification for Linux kernel deployments, especially for systems with untrusted local users.

Recommended defensive actions

• Assess Linux kernel versions 6.4 and 6.5 RCs for exposure
• Verify system configurations and user privileges
• Monitor for potential local attacks
• Consider applying patches or updates
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score and vector. The vulnerability is caused by a race between mbind() and VMA-locked page fault in mm/mempolicy.c. This use-after-free flaw may allow a local attacker to crash the system or lead to a kernel information leak. Linux kernel maintainers, administrators, and users with untrusted local access should assess exposure and prioritize verification.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.