CVE-2023-1118 is a high-severity vulnerability identified as a use-after-free (CWE-416) flaw within the Linux kernel's integrated infrared (IR) receiver/transceiver driver. This vulnerability arises from improper handling when a local user detaches a remote control (rc) device, leading to a use-after-free condition. Specifically, the kernel fails to correctly manage memory references during the detachment process, which can result in accessing freed memory. Exploiting this flaw allows a local attacker to cause a system crash (denial of service) or potentially escalate privileges by executing arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The affected product is the Linux kernel version 6.3-rc1, a release candidate version, indicating that the flaw exists in recent kernel development branches. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and has low attack complexity (AC:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of the vulnerability and its presence in a core system component make it a significant risk, especially in environments where Linux kernels of this version or similar are deployed. The flaw is particularly relevant for systems utilizing integrated IR receivers, which are common in embedded devices, media centers, and certain industrial or consumer electronics running Linux. The vulnerability was assigned and enriched by Red Hat and CISA, underscoring its importance in the security community.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-1118 can be substantial, particularly for those relying on Linux-based systems in critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, or embedded devices that incorporate integrated infrared receivers. Successful exploitation could lead to system crashes causing service disruptions or enable privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers to gain root-level access. This could compromise sensitive data confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, media broadcasting, and government agencies that deploy Linux kernels in their operational technology or IT environments may face increased risk. The vulnerability's local access requirement limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk in multi-user environments, shared hosting, or where insider threats exist. Additionally, the flaw could be leveraged as a stepping stone in multi-stage attacks to gain deeper system control. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future weaponization, especially as the kernel version matures or backports of the flaw appear in stable releases.

1. Immediate patching: Although no direct patch links are provided, organizations should monitor Linux kernel repositories and vendor advisories (e.g., Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu) for patches addressing this use-after-free flaw and apply them promptly. 2. Kernel version management: Avoid deploying or running unpatched Linux kernel 6.3-rc1 or similar development versions in production environments. Prefer stable, vendor-supported kernel versions with security updates. 3. Limit local access: Restrict local user access to systems running vulnerable kernels, especially limiting untrusted or low-privileged users from interacting with IR device interfaces. 4. Device interface hardening: Disable or remove integrated infrared receiver/transceiver drivers if not required, reducing the attack surface. 5. Implement kernel security modules: Use security frameworks such as SELinux or AppArmor to enforce strict access controls on device files and kernel interfaces related to IR devices. 6. Monitor system logs: Enable detailed logging and monitoring for unusual activity related to rc device detachment or kernel errors that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Conduct regular security audits: Verify kernel versions and configurations across infrastructure to ensure no vulnerable kernels are in use. 8. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting kernel-level anomalies or crashes that may result from exploitation attempts.