CVE-2023-52504

CVE-2023-52504 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-125.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: x86/alternatives: Disable KASAN in apply_alternatives() Fei has reported that KASAN triggers during apply_alternatives() on a 5-level paging machine: BUG: KASAN: out-of-bounds in rcu_is_watching() Read of size 4 at addr ff110003ee6419a0 by task swapper/0/0 ... __asan_load4() rcu_is_watching() trace_hardirqs_on() text_poke_early() apply_alternatives() ... On machines with 5-level paging, cpu_feature_enabled(X86_FEATURE_LA57) gets patched. It includes KASAN code, where KASAN_SHADOW_START depends on __VIRTUAL_MASK_SHIFT, which is defined with cpu_feature_enabled(). KASAN gets confused when apply_alternatives() patches the KASAN_SHADOW_START users. A test patch that makes KASAN_SHADOW_START static, by replacing __VIRTUAL_MASK_SHIFT with 56, works around the issue. Fix it for real by disabling KASAN while the kernel is patching alternatives. [ mingo: updated the changelog ]

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-52504?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: x86/alternatives: Disable KASAN in apply_alternatives() Fei has reported that KASAN triggers during apply_alternatives() on a 5-level paging machine: BUG: KASAN: out-of-bounds in rcu_is_watching() Read of size 4 at addr ff110003ee6419a0 by task swapper/0/0 ... __asan_load4() rcu_is_watching() trace_hardirqs_on() text_poke_early() apply_alternatives() ... On machines with 5-level paging, cpu_feature_enabled(X86_FEATURE_LA57) gets patched. It includes KASAN code, where KASAN_SHADOW_START depends on __VIRTUAL_MASK_SHIFT, which is defined with cpu_feature_enabled(). KASAN gets confused when apply_alternatives() patches the KASAN_SHADOW_START users. A test patch that makes KASAN_SHADOW_START static, by replacing __VIRTUAL_MASK_SHIFT with 56, works around the issue. Fix it for real by disabling KASAN while the kernel is patching alternatives. [ mingo: updated the changelog ]
How severe is CVE-2023-52504?
CVE-2023-52504 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-52504 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (19th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-52504?
CVE-2023-52504 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-52504?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2023-52504 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-52504 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-57129.
When was CVE-2023-52504 published?
CVE-2023-52504 was published on 2024-03-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

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