CVE-2023-0881 in linux-bluefield
Summary
by MITRE • 03/31/2025
Running DDoS on tcp port 22 will trigger a kernel crash. This issue is introduced by the backport of a commit regarding nft_lookup without the subsequent fixes that were introduced after this commit. The resolution of this CVE introduces those commits to the linux-bluefield package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-0881 represents a critical kernel-level flaw that can be exploited through distributed denial-of-service attacks targeting tcp port 22. This issue specifically affects systems running the linux-bluefield package and demonstrates how incomplete code backports can introduce severe stability risks. The vulnerability manifests when malicious actors conduct DDoS attacks against the SSH service port, causing the kernel to crash and potentially leading to system downtime. The root cause lies in the improper handling of network packet processing within the kernel's networking stack, particularly in how it manages lookup operations for nftables rules. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability of network services and can be leveraged by attackers to disrupt normal operations through carefully crafted network traffic patterns that exploit the flawed implementation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a problematic backport of a commit that introduced nft_lookup functionality without incorporating subsequent fixes that were developed to address the original issue. This incomplete backport creates a scenario where the kernel's handling of network packet filtering becomes unstable when processing certain types of traffic patterns that occur during DDoS attacks. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the networking subsystem, specifically affecting how the kernel processes incoming packets destined for port 22, which is the standard port for SSH services. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-121 as it involves improper handling of kernel memory structures during network packet processing, and it relates to CWE-400 as it enables denial-of-service conditions through resource exhaustion or kernel instability. The issue is particularly concerning because it requires minimal resources to exploit and can cause complete system crashes, making it attractive to attackers seeking to disrupt network services.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0881 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures that rely on SSH connectivity. Systems affected by this vulnerability become vulnerable to both automated and manual DDoS attacks, where attackers can trigger kernel crashes with relatively simple network traffic patterns. This vulnerability affects enterprise environments, cloud infrastructure providers, and any organization relying on linux-bluefield systems for network operations. The attack surface is particularly broad since port 22 is commonly exposed to internet traffic, making it a prime target for exploitation. Organizations may experience significant downtime, service interruptions, and potential data loss if systems are not properly patched. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for systems that must maintain high availability and meet security standards. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1498 which covers network denial of service, and T1595 which involves network infiltration through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security monitoring may not detect the initial exploitation attempts.
The resolution for CVE-2023-0881 requires the implementation of the complete set of fixes that were originally developed to address the nft_lookup issue, specifically targeting the linux-bluefield package. This patching process involves updating the kernel networking stack to include proper handling of packet lookup operations and ensuring that all related memory management and error handling procedures are correctly implemented. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch as soon as possible, particularly in environments where port 22 is exposed to external networks. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring for unusual traffic patterns on port 22 that could indicate exploitation attempts, implementing rate limiting for SSH connections, and ensuring that network security measures are in place to detect and prevent DDoS attacks. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of SSH services to only necessary networks and establish robust logging procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The patching process should be carefully tested in staging environments before deployment to production systems to ensure that it does not introduce any regressions or compatibility issues with existing network configurations.