CVE-2023-32629:Local privilege escalation vulnerability in Ubuntu Kernels overlayfs allowing unauthorized privilege escalation.

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Description Preview

A vulnerability was discovered in the Ubuntu Linux kernel's overlayfs implementation. The issue exists in the ovl_copy_up_meta_inode_data function, which skips permission checks when calling ovl_do_setxattr. This improper authorization vulnerability (CWE-863) allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected Ubuntu systems.

Overview

The vulnerability (CVE-2023-32629) affects the overlayfs filesystem implementation in Ubuntu kernels. Overlayfs is a type of union filesystem that allows the overlay of one filesystem on top of another. The vulnerability occurs because the ovl_copy_up_meta_inode_data function fails to perform proper permission checks when calling ovl_do_setxattr, allowing a local attacker to bypass security controls and gain elevated privileges. This can lead to complete system compromise by unprivileged local users. The issue was discovered and documented by security researchers at Wiz.io, who provided a detailed analysis of the vulnerability.

Remediation

Users should immediately update their Ubuntu systems to the latest kernel version that contains the fix for this vulnerability. Ubuntu has released security updates to address this issue in the following Ubuntu Security Notice: USN-6250-1. Additionally, kernel live patches have been made available for supported systems through LSN-0097-1. System administrators should apply these updates as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of exploitation. If immediate patching is not possible, consider restricting local access to affected systems until updates can be applied.

References

  1. Ubuntu Security Notice USN-6250-1: https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-6250-1
  2. Wiz.io Technical Analysis: https://wiz.io/blog/ubuntu-overlayfs-vulnerability
  3. Kernel Live Patch Security Notice LSN-0097-1: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174577/Kernel-Live-Patch-Security-Notice-LSN-0097-1.html
  4. Ubuntu Kernel Team Patch: https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/kernel-team/2023-July/140920.html
  5. CVE Details: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-32629

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  3. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  4. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  5. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  8. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Utilities
    Utilities
  13. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  16. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  17. Construction
    Construction
  18. Mining
    Mining
  19. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  20. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing

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