// For flags

CVE-2023-2235

Use-after-free in Linux kernel's Performance Events subsystem

Severity Score

7.8
*CVSS v3.1

Exploit Likelihood

*EPSS

Affected Versions

*CPE

Public Exploits

0
*Multiple Sources

Exploited in Wild

-
*KEV

Decision

Track*
*SSVC
Descriptions

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux Kernel Performance Events system can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The perf_group_detach function did not check the event's siblings' attach_state before calling add_event_to_groups(), but remove_on_exec made it possible to call list_del_event() on before detaching from their group, making it possible to use a dangling pointer causing a use-after-free vulnerability. We recommend upgrading past commit fd0815f632c24878e325821943edccc7fde947a2.

The Linux kernel's Performance Events subsystem has a use-after-free flaw that occurs when a user triggers the perf_group_detach and remove_on_exec functions simultaneously. This flaw allows a local user to crash or potentially escalate their privileges on the system.

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux Kernel Performance Events system can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. The perf_group_detach function did not check the event's siblings' attach_state before calling add_event_to_groups(), but remove_on_exec made it possible to call list_del_event() on before detaching from their group, making it possible to use a dangling pointer causing a use-after-free vulnerability. We recommend upgrading past commit fd0815f632c24878e325821943edccc7fde947a2.

This update for the Linux Kernel 5.14.21-150500_53 fixes several issues. The following security issues were fixed. Fixed a vmwgfx Driver Double Free Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Fixed an out-of-bounds write in the flower classifier code via TCA_FLOWER_KEY_ENC_OPTS_GENEVE packets in fl_set_geneve_opt in net/sched/cls_flower.c. Fixed an use-after-free in the Performance Events system can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Fixed a flaw that allowed an attacker to unauthorized execution of management commands, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Bluetooth communication.

*Credits: Budimir Markovic
CVSS Scores
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Authentication
Single
Confidentiality
Complete
Integrity
Complete
Availability
Complete
* Common Vulnerability Scoring System
SSVC
  • Decision:Track*
Exploitation
None
Automatable
No
Tech. Impact
Total
* Organization's Worst-case Scenario
Timeline
  • 2023-04-21 CVE Reserved
  • 2023-05-01 CVE Published
  • 2025-03-05 CVE Updated
  • 2025-03-30 EPSS Updated
  • ---------- Exploited in Wild
  • ---------- KEV Due Date
  • ---------- First Exploit
CWE
  • CWE-416: Use After Free
CAPEC
  • CAPEC-233: Privilege Escalation
Affected Vendors, Products, and Versions
Vendor Product Version Other Status
Vendor Product Version Other Status <-- --> Vendor Product Version Other Status
Linux
Search vendor "Linux"
Linux Kernel
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel"
>= 5.13 < 5.15.104
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel" and version " >= 5.13 < 5.15.104"
-
Affected
Linux
Search vendor "Linux"
Linux Kernel
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel"
>= 5.16 < 6.1.21
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel" and version " >= 5.16 < 6.1.21"
-
Affected
Linux
Search vendor "Linux"
Linux Kernel
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel"
>= 6.2 < 6.2.8
Search vendor "Linux" for product "Linux Kernel" and version " >= 6.2 < 6.2.8"
-
Affected