Spectre v2 SMT mitigations bypass in Linux kernel
| Risk | Low |
| Patch available | YES |
| Number of vulnerabilities | 1 |
| CVE-ID | CVE-2023-1998 |
| CWE-ID | CWE-254 |
| Exploitation vector | Local |
| Public exploit | N/A |
| Vulnerable software Subscribe |
Linux kernel Operating systems & Components / Operating system |
| Vendor |
Security Bulletin
This security bulletin contains one low risk vulnerability.
1) Security features bypass
EUVDB-ID: #VU75454
Risk: Low
CVSSv3.1: 5.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]
CVE-ID: CVE-2023-1998
CWE-ID:
CWE-254 - Security Features
Exploit availability: No
DescriptionThe vulnerability allows a local user to bypass implemented security restrictions.
The vulnerability exists due to incorrect implementation of the Spectre v2 SMT mitigations, related to calling prctl with PR_SET_SPECULATION_CTRL. An attacker can gain unauthorized access to kernel memory from userspace.
Install updates from vendor's website.
Vulnerable software versionsLinux kernel: before 6.3 rc1
External linkshttp://kernel.dance/#6921ed9049bc7457f66c1596c5b78aec0dae4a9d
http://github.com/google/security-research/security/advisories/GHSA-mj4w-6495-6crx
http://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/6921ed9049bc7457f66c1596c5b78aec0dae4a9d
Q & A
Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?
No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.
Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?
No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.
