CVE-2023-52805 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
jfs: fix array-index-out-of-bounds in diAlloc
Currently there is not check against the agno of the iag while allocating new inodes to avoid fragmentation problem. Added the check which is required.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52805 affects the Linux kernel's JFS (Journaled File System) implementation and represents a critical array index out of bounds condition that could potentially lead to system instability or privilege escalation. This flaw exists within the diAlloc function responsible for allocating new inodes in the JFS filesystem. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper validation checks against the allocation group number (agno) of the inode allocation group while performing inode allocation operations. Without this validation, the system could attempt to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries, creating opportunities for memory corruption and system crashes.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the JFS filesystem attempts to allocate new inodes without verifying whether the target allocation group number falls within acceptable bounds. This missing validation creates a scenario where the system might reference invalid memory addresses or corrupt adjacent data structures within the filesystem metadata. The vulnerability specifically impacts the inode allocation process where the kernel fails to ensure that the agno parameter remains within the valid range of available allocation groups. This oversight allows for potential buffer overflows or memory corruption that could be exploited to disrupt normal system operations or potentially gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability as it could enable attackers to cause denial of service conditions or potentially exploit the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code. When the JFS filesystem attempts to allocate inodes without proper bounds checking, the system may experience kernel panics or memory corruption that affects the entire filesystem operation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the filesystem driver, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the kernel or operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52805 should focus on implementing the patch that adds the required validation check for the allocation group number during inode allocation operations. System administrators should immediately apply the kernel update that includes the fix for this vulnerability, as the patch ensures proper bounds checking of the agno parameter before any inode allocation occurs. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual filesystem behavior or kernel panic events that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should be deployed across all systems running JFS filesystems, particularly those handling critical data or serving high-availability applications where filesystem stability is paramount. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of vulnerability exposure.