CVE-2022-23523 rust-vmm linux-loader vulnerable to Out-of-bounds Read
A maliciously crafted ELF kernel image can cause Virtual Machine Monitors using the linux-loader crate to enter an infinite loop, resulting in denial of service.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2022-23523?
CVE-2022-23523 is a medium-severity denial of service vulnerability in rust-vmm linux-loader, published on 13 Dec 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In versions prior to 0.8.1, the linux-loader crate uses the offsets and sizes provided in the ELF headers to determine the offsets to read from. If those offsets point beyond the end of the file this could lead to Virtual Machine Monitors using the `linux-loader` crate entering an infinite loop if the ELF header of the kernel they are loading was modified in a malicious manner. This issue has been addressed in 0.8.1. The issue can be mitigated by ensuring that only trusted kernel images are loaded or by verifying that the headers do not point beyond the end of the file.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-23523?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including linux-loader. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
linux-loader crates.io | All versions | 0.8.1 |
linux-loader crates.io | All versions | 0.8.1 |
Products include Linux-Loader Project Linux-Loader.
How do I fix CVE-2022-23523?
Upgrade linux-loader to 0.8.1 or later.
Upgrade, then put limits on request size, rate and nesting depth so one client cannot exhaust the service. More about Denial of service.
Is CVE-2022-23523 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-23523 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-52h2-m2cf-9jh6.