CVE-2023-0458 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/26/2023
A speculative pointer dereference problem exists in the Linux Kernel on the do_prlimit() function. The resource argument value is controlled and is used in pointer arithmetic for the 'rlim' variable and can be used to leak the contents. We recommend upgrading past version 6.1.8 or commit 739790605705ddcf18f21782b9c99ad7d53a8c11
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0458 represents a speculative pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's do_prlimit() function, which operates at the kernel level and affects system security through potential information disclosure mechanisms. This flaw exists in the kernel's resource limit management functionality where the resource argument value is processed through pointer arithmetic operations involving the 'rlim' variable. The speculative execution aspect of this vulnerability allows for potential exploitation through side-channel attacks that could leak sensitive kernel memory contents, making it particularly concerning for systems running affected kernel versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters within the do_prlimit() function, which handles process resource limit modifications. When a user-controlled resource argument value is passed to this function, it undergoes pointer arithmetic operations that can lead to speculative execution paths being taken with invalid memory addresses. This creates opportunities for attackers to observe memory contents through timing variations or cache behavior changes, effectively enabling information disclosure attacks that align with the common patterns of speculative execution vulnerabilities described in the CWE-128 category. The vulnerability specifically relates to the improper handling of pointer arithmetic and memory access patterns during resource limit operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0458 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gather sensitive kernel memory contents that could include cryptographic keys, credentials, or other confidential data. Systems running kernel versions prior to 6.1.8 or before the fix commit 739790605705ddcf18f21782b9c99ad7d53a8c11 remain at risk, particularly in environments where kernel memory contents could be leveraged to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to privilege escalation techniques through kernel memory access and information gathering, as attackers could use the leaked information to craft more effective exploitation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0458 primarily focus on kernel version upgrades to 6.1.8 or later, which incorporates the specific fix for the do_prlimit() function. Organizations should prioritize updating their systems to include the commit 739790605705ddcf18f21782b9c99ad7d53a8c11 that addresses the pointer arithmetic validation issue. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual resource limit modification patterns and consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as KASLR (Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization) and other exploit mitigations to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation in kernel functions and highlights the ongoing need for careful scrutiny of memory access patterns in privileged code sections.