CVE-2023-7192 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel component responsible for connection tracking within the netfilter framework, specifically in the function ctnetlink_create_conntrack located in net/netfilter/nf_conntrack_netlink.c. The issue manifests as a memory leak due to missing release of memory after the effective lifetime of certain connection tracking objects, which can lead to a reference count overflow. This overflow can cause the kernel to exhaust memory resources, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges, which are typically granted to system administrators or privileged processes. No user interaction is needed to trigger the flaw once the attacker has the required privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level, with the attack vector being local, low attack complexity, and privileges required. The impact is limited to availability, with no confidentiality or integrity compromise. There are no known public exploits or active exploitation reported at this time. The affected product is Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.2 Advanced Update Support, a widely used enterprise Linux distribution in critical environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in kernel subsystems that handle network connections and the risks posed by resource exhaustion attacks in privileged contexts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily threatens system availability by enabling local attackers with elevated privileges to cause denial of service through kernel memory exhaustion. This can disrupt critical services, especially in environments relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.2 for server infrastructure, including data centers, cloud providers, and industrial control systems. Although exploitation requires privileged local access, insider threats or compromised administrative accounts could leverage this flaw to degrade system performance or cause outages. The lack of confidentiality or integrity impact reduces the risk of data breaches, but service interruptions could affect business continuity, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability. Organizations with high availability requirements, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and telecommunications operators in Europe, may experience significant operational impact if this vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, the absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.

To mitigate CVE-2023-7192, European organizations should promptly apply official Red Hat kernel patches or updates addressing this memory leak in the netfilter connection tracking subsystem. If patches are not immediately available, consider temporarily restricting CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges to only trusted administrators and processes to reduce the attack surface. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.2 to detect unusual kernel resource consumption or anomalous use of network connection tracking features. Employ kernel-level resource limits and auditing to identify potential exploitation attempts. Regularly review and update system hardening policies to minimize privileged user accounts and enforce the principle of least privilege. Additionally, maintain comprehensive incident response plans to quickly address any denial of service incidents. Coordination with Red Hat support and security advisories is essential to stay informed about patch releases and exploit developments.