CVE-2023-6270: Linux kernel · Use After Free
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.0 High.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:05 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 34% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 4 Jan 2024
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 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Red Hatredhat/kernelpkg:rpm/redhat/kernelOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
Organizations should immediately inventory their systems to identify any running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 with the AoE driver enabled. In the interim, consider disabling the AoE driver if it is not essential to operations to eliminate the attack surface. For systems requiring AoE, implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict access to trusted personnel only. Employ kernel hardening techniques such as enabling Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) to mitigate exploitation risk. Network segmentation should isolate storage networks using AoE from general user networks to reduce the likelihood of local access by untrusted users. Continuous monitoring for unusual kernel crashes or suspicious activity related to network device structures can provide early detection. Finally, plan for an upgrade path from RHEL 6 to a supported version, as RHEL 6 is an older release with diminishing security support.
Description
CVE-2023-6270 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in the ATA over Ethernet (AoE) driver of the Linux kernel used by Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6. The flaw arises from improper reference count handling in the aoecmd_cfg_pkts() function, allowing a race condition between freeing a network device structure and accessing it via a global queue. Exploitation can lead to denial of service or potentially remote code execution. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges and high attack complexity, with no user interaction needed. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, affected systems remain at risk until patched. European organizations running RHEL 6, especially in critical infrastructure sectors, should prioritize mitigation. Countries with significant RHEL 6 usage and strategic infrastructure are most at risk. Immediate patching and kernel updates, along with network segmentation and monitoring, are recommended to mitigate impact.