Linux Kernel up to 6.4.3 netfilter nft_data_release reference count

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.5$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.4.3 and classified as critical. Affected is the function nft_data_release of the component netfilter. Such manipulation leads to reference count. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-2023-54035. There is not any exploit available. It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.4.3 and classified as critical. Affected by this issue is the function nft_data_release of the component netfilter. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a reference count vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-911. The product uses a reference count to manage a resource, but it does not update or incorrectly updates the reference count. Impacted is availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_tables: fix underflow in chain reference counter Set element addition error path decrements reference counter on chains twice: once on element release and again via nft_data_release(). Then, d6b478666ffa ("netfilter: nf_tables: fix underflow in object reference counter") incorrectly fixed this by removing the stateful object reference count decrement. Restore the stateful object decrement as in b91d90368837 ("netfilter: nf_tables: fix leaking object reference count") and let nft_data_release() decrement the chain reference counter, so this is done only once.

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2023-54035 since 12/24/2025. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 279781 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2023-54035), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 6.4.4 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch b068314fd8ce751a7f906e55bb90f3551815f1a0/9c959671abc7d4ffdf34eed10c64492d43cb6a3c/b389139f12f287b8ed2e2628b72df89a081f0b59 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 databases at Tenable (279781) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2920). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

  • Open Source Linux Kernel

Productinfo

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Name

Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.7
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.5

VulDB Base Score: 5.7
VulDB Temp Score: 5.5
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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

Exploitinginfo

Class: Reference count
CWE: CWE-911 / CWE-664
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 279781
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2023-54035

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.4.4
Patch: b068314fd8ce751a7f906e55bb90f3551815f1a0/9c959671abc7d4ffdf34eed10c64492d43cb6a3c/b389139f12f287b8ed2e2628b72df89a081f0b59

Timelineinfo

12/24/2025 Advisory disclosed
12/24/2025 +0 days CVE reserved
12/24/2025 +0 days VulDB entry created
12/28/2025 +4 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2023-54035 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2023-54035
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-338216
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2025-2920 - Linux Kernel: Mehrere Schwachstellen

Entryinfo

Created: 12/24/2025 15:31
Updated: 12/28/2025 14:25
Changes: 12/24/2025 15:31 (59), 12/25/2025 10:54 (7), 12/28/2025 14:25 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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

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