CVE-2023-54031 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
vdpa: Add queue index attr to vdpa_nl_policy for nlattr length check
The vdpa_nl_policy structure is used to validate the nlattr when parsing the incoming nlmsg. It will ensure the attribute being described produces a valid nlattr pointer in info->attrs before entering into each handler in vdpa_nl_ops.
That is to say, the missing part in vdpa_nl_policy may lead to illegal nlattr after parsing, which could lead to OOB read just like CVE-2023-3773.
This patch adds the missing nla_policy for vdpa queue index attr to avoid such bugs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-54031 resides within the Linux kernel's virtual data path acceleration subsystem, specifically affecting the validation mechanisms used for netlink message parsing. This issue impacts the vdpa_nl_policy structure which serves as a critical validation layer for incoming netlink messages destined for virtual data path acceleration components. The flaw represents a missing attribute policy definition that creates potential for improper validation of netlink attributes during message processing. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear pattern of insufficient input validation that could enable attackers to craft malicious netlink messages designed to exploit the missing validation checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20 and represents a specific instance of buffer overflow conditions that can occur when attribute validation is incomplete. The vulnerability directly relates to the kernel's network infrastructure and affects systems utilizing virtual data path acceleration technologies.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper nla_policy definition for the vdpa queue index attribute within the vdpa_nl_policy structure. When the kernel processes incoming netlink messages through the vdpa subsystem, it relies on this policy structure to validate the presence and correctness of various attributes before allowing handlers to process them. The missing queue index attribute policy creates a gap in validation where the system may accept malformed netlink attributes that could result in out-of-bounds memory reads. This condition is particularly dangerous because it mirrors the patterns seen in similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-3773, where insufficient validation led to memory corruption. The flaw occurs during the parsing phase of netlink message handling, where the kernel's attribute validation logic fails to properly check the queue index attribute, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the attribute parsing process and access memory regions beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across systems utilizing Linux kernel virtual data path acceleration features, particularly those implementing network virtualization or accelerated networking solutions. Systems running kernel versions containing this flaw are susceptible to potential memory corruption attacks that could lead to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the kernel's netlink message parsing infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers with access to send netlink messages to the system to trigger memory access violations. This creates a risk for containerized environments, virtualized systems, and network infrastructure components that rely on vdpa functionality. The attack surface is significant for systems that expose netlink interfaces to untrusted users or processes, as these components could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions. The vulnerability's impact is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or system access to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-54031 focus on applying the kernel patch that adds the missing nla_policy for the vdpa queue index attribute. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix that resolves this validation gap in the vdpa subsystem. Organizations should implement monitoring for abnormal netlink message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where untrusted users have access to netlink interfaces. The patch addresses the root cause by ensuring proper validation of the queue index attribute before allowing processing to continue, thereby preventing the out-of-bounds read conditions that could occur. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of netlink interfaces can reduce the attack surface. The fix aligns with secure coding practices that emphasize the importance of comprehensive input validation and proper attribute validation in kernel subsystems. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to further mitigate potential exploitation scenarios. Regular kernel updates and security assessments should be maintained to ensure protection against similar validation-related vulnerabilities in the kernel's networking subsystem.