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CVE-2023-26606: n/a in n/a

High
VulnerabilityCVE-2023-26606cvecve-2023-26606
Published: Sun Feb 26 2023 (02/26/2023, 00:00:00 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: n/a
Product: n/a

Description

In the Linux kernel 6.0.8, there is a use-after-free in ntfs_trim_fs in fs/ntfs3/bitmap.c.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/03/2025, 12:28:15 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-26606 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel version 6.0.8, specifically within the ntfs_trim_fs function located in fs/ntfs3/bitmap.c. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory during the NTFS filesystem's trim operation, which can lead to a use-after-free condition (CWE-416). This type of flaw occurs when the kernel attempts to access memory that has already been freed, potentially causing undefined behavior including memory corruption, system crashes, or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8, indicating a high impact with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and low privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's characteristics suggest that an attacker with local access and limited privileges could exploit it to gain elevated control or disrupt system operations. The affected component is the NTFS3 driver, which is responsible for NTFS filesystem support in the Linux kernel. This driver is used primarily to enable Linux systems to read and write to NTFS partitions, commonly found on external drives or dual-boot configurations. The lack of specific vendor or product information indicates that this vulnerability affects the Linux kernel 6.0.8 and potentially other versions containing the same code. The absence of patch links suggests that users should monitor official Linux kernel repositories and distributions for updates addressing this issue.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-26606 can be significant, especially for those relying on Linux systems with NTFS filesystem support, such as servers handling external storage, workstations in dual-boot environments, or embedded systems using NTFS-formatted drives. Exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in data breaches, system downtime, or further lateral movement within networks. Critical infrastructure sectors, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, which often use Linux-based systems, may face operational disruptions or data loss. Additionally, organizations using Linux for cloud or containerized environments that mount NTFS volumes could be at risk. The local access requirement limits remote exploitation but insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and deepen their access. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, the vulnerability poses a substantial risk to European entities relying on affected Linux kernel versions.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate CVE-2023-26606, European organizations should: 1) Immediately identify and inventory Linux systems running kernel version 6.0.8 or other potentially affected versions with NTFS3 support enabled. 2) Apply official patches or kernel updates as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distributions or the mainline kernel repository. 3) If patches are not yet available, consider disabling NTFS3 filesystem support temporarily, especially on systems where NTFS volumes are not critical, to eliminate the attack surface. 4) Restrict local access to trusted users only, employing strict access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized attempts to exploit local vulnerabilities. 5) Implement kernel hardening techniques such as SELinux or AppArmor policies to limit the impact of potential exploits. 6) Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual activity related to filesystem operations or kernel crashes. 7) Educate system administrators about the vulnerability and the importance of timely patching and access control. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on kernel version identification, temporary disabling of vulnerable components, and enhanced local access restrictions.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
mitre
Date Reserved
2023-02-26T00:00:00.000Z
Cisa Enriched
true
Cvss Version
3.1
State
PUBLISHED

Threat ID: 682d981fc4522896dcbdc500

Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:47 AM

Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 12:28:15 PM

Last updated: 7/26/2025, 5:51:57 AM

Views: 10

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