CVE-2023-26607: n/a in n/a
In the Linux kernel 6.0.8, there is an out-of-bounds read in ntfs_attr_find in fs/ntfs/attrib.c.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2023-26607 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel version 6.0.8, specifically within the NTFS filesystem driver code located in fs/ntfs/attrib.c. The vulnerability is characterized as an out-of-bounds read occurring in the function ntfs_attr_find. This function is responsible for locating attributes within NTFS filesystem structures. An out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) means that the kernel code reads memory beyond the intended buffer limits, which can lead to information disclosure or potentially cause system instability or crashes. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, indicating a high severity level. The vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no integrity impact (I:N), and high availability impact (A:H). This means an attacker with local low-level privileges can exploit this vulnerability without user interaction to read sensitive kernel memory and cause denial of service by crashing the system. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no vendor or product-specific patches are linked, suggesting that mitigation relies on kernel updates or backported fixes. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel 6.0.8, which is a relatively recent kernel version, and impacts systems using the NTFS filesystem driver, commonly used for interoperability with Windows filesystems.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-26607 can be significant, especially those relying on Linux systems with kernel 6.0.8 or similar versions that include the vulnerable NTFS driver. The vulnerability allows local attackers with low privileges to read out-of-bounds memory, potentially exposing sensitive kernel data, which could include cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information. Additionally, the vulnerability can cause system crashes, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt business operations. Organizations using Linux servers or workstations that mount NTFS volumes—common in dual-boot environments, file sharing, or external storage scenarios—are at risk. The lack of requirement for user interaction facilitates automated exploitation by malicious insiders or compromised local users. Given the high confidentiality and availability impacts, critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and enterprises with sensitive data stored or accessed on affected Linux systems could face data breaches or operational downtime. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge. European organizations should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2023-26607, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory Linux systems running kernel version 6.0.8 or other versions containing the vulnerable NTFS driver code. 2) Apply official kernel patches or updates that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distribution maintainers or upstream kernel sources. 3) If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling or unmounting NTFS filesystems on affected systems to eliminate exposure to the vulnerable code path. 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 Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and memory protection features to reduce the impact of out-of-bounds reads. 6) Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual crashes or suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Educate system administrators about the risks of local privilege vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on filesystem usage, local access controls, and kernel-specific mitigations tailored to this vulnerability.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Italy, Spain
CVE-2023-26607: n/a in n/a
Description
In the Linux kernel 6.0.8, there is an out-of-bounds read in ntfs_attr_find in fs/ntfs/attrib.c.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-26607 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel version 6.0.8, specifically within the NTFS filesystem driver code located in fs/ntfs/attrib.c. The vulnerability is characterized as an out-of-bounds read occurring in the function ntfs_attr_find. This function is responsible for locating attributes within NTFS filesystem structures. An out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) means that the kernel code reads memory beyond the intended buffer limits, which can lead to information disclosure or potentially cause system instability or crashes. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, indicating a high severity level. The vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H indicates that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), no integrity impact (I:N), and high availability impact (A:H). This means an attacker with local low-level privileges can exploit this vulnerability without user interaction to read sensitive kernel memory and cause denial of service by crashing the system. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no vendor or product-specific patches are linked, suggesting that mitigation relies on kernel updates or backported fixes. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel 6.0.8, which is a relatively recent kernel version, and impacts systems using the NTFS filesystem driver, commonly used for interoperability with Windows filesystems.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-26607 can be significant, especially those relying on Linux systems with kernel 6.0.8 or similar versions that include the vulnerable NTFS driver. The vulnerability allows local attackers with low privileges to read out-of-bounds memory, potentially exposing sensitive kernel data, which could include cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information. Additionally, the vulnerability can cause system crashes, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt business operations. Organizations using Linux servers or workstations that mount NTFS volumes—common in dual-boot environments, file sharing, or external storage scenarios—are at risk. The lack of requirement for user interaction facilitates automated exploitation by malicious insiders or compromised local users. Given the high confidentiality and availability impacts, critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and enterprises with sensitive data stored or accessed on affected Linux systems could face data breaches or operational downtime. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge. European organizations should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate CVE-2023-26607, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory Linux systems running kernel version 6.0.8 or other versions containing the vulnerable NTFS driver code. 2) Apply official kernel patches or updates that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distribution maintainers or upstream kernel sources. 3) If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling or unmounting NTFS filesystems on affected systems to eliminate exposure to the vulnerable code path. 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 Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and memory protection features to reduce the impact of out-of-bounds reads. 6) Monitor system logs and security alerts for unusual crashes or suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Educate system administrators about the risks of local privilege vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on filesystem usage, local access controls, and kernel-specific mitigations tailored to this vulnerability.
Affected Countries
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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: 682d981fc4522896dcbdc504
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:47 AM
Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 12:28:30 PM
Last updated: 8/15/2025, 2:30:59 PM
Views: 14
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