CVE-2023-52641 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fs/ntfs3: Add NULL ptr dereference checking at the end of attr_allocate_frame()
It is preferable to exit through the out: label because internal debugging functions are located there.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52641 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's ntfs3 file system driver. This flaw exists in the attr_allocate_frame() function located in the fs/ntfs3 directory of the kernel source code. The ntfs3 driver is responsible for handling NTFS file systems on Linux systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems that mount or interact with NTFS volumes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate null pointer validation at the conclusion of the attr_allocate_frame() function, which could lead to system instability or potential privilege escalation scenarios. According to CWE-476, this corresponds to a null pointer dereference, a common class of software vulnerabilities that can result in system crashes or arbitrary code execution when the kernel attempts to access memory through a null reference.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the execution flow of the ntfs3 file system driver when processing attribute allocation frames. The function attr_allocate_frame() is designed to manage memory allocation for file system attributes, but fails to properly validate pointer references before attempting to access them at the function's termination. The kernel's design pattern requires that all code paths terminate through a specific out: label for proper cleanup and debugging operations, but the missing null pointer check prevents this protocol from being correctly followed. This creates a scenario where a malicious actor could potentially craft specific file system operations that trigger the null pointer dereference, causing the kernel to crash or potentially allowing for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs in kernel space where such faults can lead to complete system compromise rather than simple application crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52641 extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise within Linux environments that utilize NTFS file systems. Systems running affected kernel versions that mount NTFS volumes, including those used in enterprise environments, home users with mixed operating system setups, or systems that support dual-boot configurations with Windows partitions, are at risk. The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers who gain access to a system with NTFS mount capabilities, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that could persist or be used as a stepping stone for more complex attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, as kernel-level null pointer dereferences can be leveraged to manipulate system behavior and potentially bypass security controls. The impact is particularly severe in environments where NTFS file systems are frequently mounted or where automated processes interact with such volumes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52641 primarily focus on kernel updates and system hardening measures. System administrators should immediately apply the latest kernel security patches that address this specific vulnerability, as the fix involves adding proper null pointer validation before function termination. The patch implementation ensures that all code paths properly check for null pointers before accessing memory locations, thereby preventing the dereference that leads to system instability. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual system behavior or kernel crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where NTFS volumes are regularly accessed. Additional defensive measures include restricting NTFS mount capabilities on systems where such access is not required, implementing proper access controls for file system operations, and maintaining regular system updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from accumulating. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be applied to limit potential attack surfaces, while security teams should monitor for any exploitation attempts targeting this specific kernel vulnerability through threat intelligence feeds and system logs.