Linux Kernel NVMe-oF Subsystem tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto double free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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8.5$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel. It has been classified as critical. This issue affects the function nvmet_tcp_free_crypto of the file drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c of the component NVMe-oF Subsystem. This manipulation causes double free. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2023-5178. The attack can be initiated remotely. Additionally, an exploit exists. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linux Kernel (Operating System) (unknown version). Affected by this vulnerability is the function nvmet_tcp_free_crypto of the file drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c of the component NVMe-oF Subsystem. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a double free vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-415. The product calls free() twice on the same memory address, potentially leading to modification of unexpected memory locations. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c` in `nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution or lead to local privilege escalation.

The weakness was released 10/15/2023. It is possible to read the advisory at lore.kernel.org. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2023-5178 since 09/25/2023. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

It is possible to download the exploit at seclists.org. It is declared as proof-of-concept. We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $5k-$25k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 239841 (TencentOS Server 4: kernel (TSSA-2024:0960)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at lore.kernel.org.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (239841). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 8.8
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 8.5

VulDB Base Score: 8.8
VulDB Temp Score: 7.9
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 8.8
NVD Vector: 🔍

CNA Base Score: 8.8
CNA Vector: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Double free
CWE: CWE-415 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Download: 🔍

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 239841
Nessus Name: TencentOS Server 4: kernel (TSSA-2024:0960)

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Patch
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Patch: lore.kernel.org

Timelineinfo

09/25/2023 🔍
10/15/2023 +20 days 🔍
10/15/2023 +0 days 🔍
06/20/2025 +614 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: lore.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2023-5178 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2023-5178
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-242191
scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013

Entryinfo

Created: 10/15/2023 23:06
Updated: 06/20/2025 02:40
Changes: 10/15/2023 23:06 (44), 06/18/2024 19:06 (35), 06/20/2025 02:40 (3)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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