Linux Kernel up to 6.1.10 update_parent_subparts_cpumask state issue

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.1.10 and classified as problematic. This affects the function update_parent_subparts_cpumask. Such manipulation leads to state issue. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2023-52942. No exploit is available. It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.1.10. It has been rated as problematic. Affected by this issue is the function update_parent_subparts_cpumask. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a state issue vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-371. The impact remains unknown. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cgroup/cpuset: Fix wrong check in update_parent_subparts_cpumask() It was found that the check to see if a partition could use up all the cpus from the parent cpuset in update_parent_subparts_cpumask() was incorrect. As a result, it is possible to leave parent with no effective cpu left even if there are tasks in the parent cpuset. This can lead to system panic as reported in [1]. Fix this probem by updating the check to fail the enabling the partition if parent's effective_cpus is a subset of the child's cpus_allowed. Also record the error code when an error happens in update_prstate() and add a test case where parent partition and child have the same cpu list and parent has task. Enabling partition in the child will fail in this case. [1] https://www.spinics.net/lists/cgroups/msg36254.html

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2023-52942 since 08/21/2024. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 12/07/2025).

Upgrading to version 6.1.11 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch a2ab7f2cf5ef8f0c6212a246e681d1fe358cec1f/e5ae8803847b80fe9d744a3174abe2b7bfed222a is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-0649). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

• Google Container-Optimized OS
• Debian Linux
• Amazon Linux 2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Ubuntu Linux
• SUSE Linux
• Oracle Linux
• SUSE openSUSE
• Dell Avamar
• Open Source Linux Kernel
• SolarWinds Security Event Manager
• Dell NetWorker
• Dell Secure Connect Gateway

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 6.1.0
• 6.1.1
• 6.1.2
• 6.1.3
• 6.1.4
• 6.1.5
• 6.1.6
• 6.1.7
• 6.1.8
• 6.1.9
• 6.1.10

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

CPE 2.3info

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CPE 2.2info

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Entryinfo

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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