CVE-2023-4132: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 · Use After Free
Affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8Source CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 5.5 Medium.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 16% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 3 Aug 2023
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
AI-suggested
1. Restrict physical and local access to systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of unauthorized device connection. 2. Disable or blacklist the siano smsusb kernel module if the hardware is not required, preventing the vulnerable code from being invoked. 3. Monitor system logs and kernel messages for unusual device connection events or crashes related to the smsusb module. 4. Implement strict device control policies using tools like udev rules or security frameworks to prevent unauthorized devices from being initialized. 5. Keep systems updated with the latest kernel and Red Hat patches; monitor Red Hat advisories for an official patch addressing this vulnerability. 6. Use intrusion detection systems to alert on suspicious local activity or device insertions. 7. Educate local users about the risks of connecting unauthorized hardware to critical systems. 8. In high-security environments, consider isolating systems that require the vulnerable hardware from general user access to reduce exploitation risk.
Description
CVE-2023-4132 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the siano smsusb module of the Linux kernel used by Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. It occurs during device initialization when a siano device is plugged in, allowing a local user to crash the system and cause a denial of service. The vulnerability requires local access and does not impact confidentiality or integrity but affects system availability. No user interaction is needed beyond plugging in the device. The CVSS score is 5.5 (medium severity). There are no known exploits in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. European organizations using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 with this hardware module are at risk, especially in sectors relying on these devices. Mitigation involves restricting local access, disabling unnecessary modules, and monitoring device usage until patches are available.
References
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2023:6901 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2023:7077 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2024:0575 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2024:0724 (opens in a new tab)
- access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2023-4132 (opens in a new tab)
- bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2221707 (opens in a new tab)
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/10/msg00027.html (opens in a new tab)
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20231020-0005/ (opens in a new tab)
- debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5480 (opens in a new tab)
- debian.org/security/2023/dsa-5492 (opens in a new tab)