CVE-2023-6176 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel API related to the cryptographic algorithm scatterwalk functionality within Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. The flaw is a null pointer dereference triggered when a local user constructs a malicious packet with a specific socket configuration. This causes the kernel to dereference a null pointer, leading to a system crash (denial of service) or potentially enabling privilege escalation. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges, no user interaction, and has a high attack complexity, meaning exploitation is non-trivial but feasible under certain conditions. The cryptographic scatterwalk API is involved in processing cryptographic operations on data buffers, and improper handling of socket configurations can lead to this critical failure. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability poses a risk to system stability and security. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 is widely used in enterprise environments, including European organizations, making this vulnerability relevant for critical infrastructure and business continuity. The CVSS v3.1 score of 4.7 reflects a medium severity, primarily due to the local attack vector and high complexity. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity directly but affects availability and potentially integrity through privilege escalation. No patches are linked yet, but Red Hat is expected to release updates to address this issue.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-6176 is the potential for denial of service through system crashes, which can disrupt critical services and operations. Additionally, the possibility of local privilege escalation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems, leading to further compromise or lateral movement within networks. Organizations relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 for servers, especially in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, government, and critical infrastructure, face risks to system availability and security integrity. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or attackers who have gained initial footholds. Disruptions caused by system crashes could affect service level agreements and operational continuity. Given the widespread use of Red Hat Enterprise Linux in European data centers and enterprises, unpatched systems could be targeted for disruption or privilege escalation attacks, impacting business operations and data security.

1. Monitor Red Hat’s official security advisories closely and apply patches as soon as they are released to address CVE-2023-6176. 2. Restrict local user access to systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, enforcing the principle of least privilege to minimize potential attackers with local access. 3. Implement strict socket and network configuration policies to limit the ability of users to craft malicious packets that exploit the scatterwalk API. 4. Use kernel hardening techniques such as SELinux or AppArmor to contain the impact of potential exploits. 5. Regularly audit and monitor kernel logs and system behavior for signs of crashes or suspicious socket activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) that can detect anomalous local activity related to socket configurations. 7. Educate system administrators and security teams about this vulnerability to ensure rapid response and mitigation. 8. Consider isolating critical systems or using virtualization/containerization to limit the blast radius of potential exploits.