CVE-2023-2176: CWE-125 in Kernel
A vulnerability was found in compare_netdev_and_ip in drivers/infiniband/core/cma.c in RDMA in the Linux Kernel. The improper cleanup results in out-of-boundary read, where a local user can utilize this problem to crash the system or escalation of privilege.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2023-2176 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux Kernel version 6.1, specifically within the RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) subsystem. The flaw exists in the compare_netdev_and_ip function located in the drivers/infiniband/core/cma.c source file. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-125, which corresponds to an out-of-bounds read error. The root cause is improper cleanup in the code, which leads to reading memory beyond the intended boundary. This flaw can be exploited by a local user with limited privileges (PR:L) without requiring any user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have access to the system to trigger the vulnerability. Successful exploitation can result in a system crash (denial of service) or, more critically, privilege escalation, allowing the attacker to gain higher-level permissions than originally granted. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, but the severity and ease of exploitation by a local user make it a significant risk. The RDMA subsystem is used primarily in high-performance computing and data center environments to facilitate low-latency, high-throughput networking. The vulnerability’s presence in the Linux Kernel means it potentially affects a wide range of devices and servers running the affected kernel version, especially those leveraging RDMA for network communications.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-2176 can be substantial, particularly for enterprises and research institutions relying on Linux servers with RDMA capabilities. The vulnerability allows local attackers to crash critical systems or escalate privileges, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Industries such as finance, telecommunications, cloud service providers, and scientific research centers that use Linux-based infrastructure with RDMA for performance optimization are at heightened risk. Disruption or compromise of these systems could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory non-compliance under frameworks like GDPR. Additionally, the ability to escalate privileges locally could facilitate further attacks, including installation of persistent malware or exfiltration of confidential information. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge, increasing the likelihood of targeted attacks.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2023-2176, European organizations should prioritize patching Linux Kernel version 6.1 and any other affected versions as soon as vendor patches become available. Until patches are applied, organizations should restrict local access to systems running vulnerable kernels, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual local activity. Employing kernel-level security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor with strict policies can help limit the impact of privilege escalation attempts. Network segmentation should be used to isolate critical RDMA-enabled systems from less trusted environments. Additionally, organizations should audit and monitor RDMA usage and related kernel logs for anomalies. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling RDMA functionality temporarily can reduce exposure. Regular vulnerability scanning and compliance checks should include verification of kernel versions and the presence of this vulnerability. Finally, educating system administrators about this specific vulnerability and its implications will improve detection and response capabilities.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Ireland
CVE-2023-2176: CWE-125 in Kernel
Description
A vulnerability was found in compare_netdev_and_ip in drivers/infiniband/core/cma.c in RDMA in the Linux Kernel. The improper cleanup results in out-of-boundary read, where a local user can utilize this problem to crash the system or escalation of privilege.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-2176 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux Kernel version 6.1, specifically within the RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) subsystem. The flaw exists in the compare_netdev_and_ip function located in the drivers/infiniband/core/cma.c source file. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-125, which corresponds to an out-of-bounds read error. The root cause is improper cleanup in the code, which leads to reading memory beyond the intended boundary. This flaw can be exploited by a local user with limited privileges (PR:L) without requiring any user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must have access to the system to trigger the vulnerability. Successful exploitation can result in a system crash (denial of service) or, more critically, privilege escalation, allowing the attacker to gain higher-level permissions than originally granted. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high). The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, but the severity and ease of exploitation by a local user make it a significant risk. The RDMA subsystem is used primarily in high-performance computing and data center environments to facilitate low-latency, high-throughput networking. The vulnerability’s presence in the Linux Kernel means it potentially affects a wide range of devices and servers running the affected kernel version, especially those leveraging RDMA for network communications.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-2176 can be substantial, particularly for enterprises and research institutions relying on Linux servers with RDMA capabilities. The vulnerability allows local attackers to crash critical systems or escalate privileges, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within networks. Industries such as finance, telecommunications, cloud service providers, and scientific research centers that use Linux-based infrastructure with RDMA for performance optimization are at heightened risk. Disruption or compromise of these systems could lead to data breaches, operational downtime, and regulatory non-compliance under frameworks like GDPR. Additionally, the ability to escalate privileges locally could facilitate further attacks, including installation of persistent malware or exfiltration of confidential information. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge, increasing the likelihood of targeted attacks.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2023-2176, European organizations should prioritize patching Linux Kernel version 6.1 and any other affected versions as soon as vendor patches become available. Until patches are applied, organizations should restrict local access to systems running vulnerable kernels, enforcing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual local activity. Employing kernel-level security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor with strict policies can help limit the impact of privilege escalation attempts. Network segmentation should be used to isolate critical RDMA-enabled systems from less trusted environments. Additionally, organizations should audit and monitor RDMA usage and related kernel logs for anomalies. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling RDMA functionality temporarily can reduce exposure. Regular vulnerability scanning and compliance checks should include verification of kernel versions and the presence of this vulnerability. Finally, educating system administrators about this specific vulnerability and its implications will improve detection and response capabilities.
Affected Countries
For access to advanced analysis and higher rate limits, contact root@offseq.com
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- redhat
- Date Reserved
- 2023-04-19T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682d981fc4522896dcbdc587
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:47 AM
Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 12:42:45 PM
Last updated: 8/11/2025, 10:17:37 AM
Views: 11
Related Threats
CVE-2025-8081: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in elemntor Elementor Website Builder – More Than Just a Page Builder
MediumCVE-2025-6253: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in uicore UiCore Elements – Free Elementor widgets and templates
HighCVE-2025-3892: CWE-250: Execution with Unnecessary Privileges in Axis Communications AB AXIS OS
MediumCVE-2025-30027: CWE-1287: Improper Validation of Specified Type of Input in Axis Communications AB AXIS OS
MediumCVE-2025-7622: CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) in Axis Communications AB AXIS Camera Station Pro
MediumActions
Updates to AI analysis are available only with a Pro account. Contact root@offseq.com for access.
External Links
Need enhanced features?
Contact root@offseq.com for Pro access with improved analysis and higher rate limits.