CVE-2023-0045

Public Exploit
Incorrect indirect branch prediction barrier in the Linux Kernel

Description

The current implementation of the prctl syscall does not issue an IBPB immediately during the syscall. The ib_prctl_set  function updates the Thread Information Flags (TIFs) for the task and updates the SPEC_CTRL MSR on the function __speculation_ctrl_update, but the IBPB is only issued on the next schedule, when the TIF bits are checked. This leaves the victim vulnerable to values already injected on the BTB, prior to the prctl syscall.  The patch that added the support for the conditional mitigation via prctl (ib_prctl_set) dates back to the kernel 4.9.176. We recommend upgrading past commit a664ec9158eeddd75121d39c9a0758016097fa96

Category

4.7
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.23%
Third-Party Advisory github.com Third-Party Advisory debian.org Third-Party Advisory debian.org Third-Party Advisory netapp.com
Affected: Linux Linux Kernel
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2023-0045?
CVE-2023-0045 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2023-0045?
To fix CVE-2023-0045, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2023-0045 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2023-0045 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2023-0045?
CVE-2023-0045 affects Linux Linux Kernel.
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