Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Linux Kernel’s OverlayFS System
CVE-2023-0386

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Linux

Status
Vendor
CVE Published:
22 March 2023

Badges

📈 Score: 163💰 Ransomware👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 50%🦅 CISA Reported📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2023-0386?

CVE-2023-0386 is a privilege escalation vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's OverlayFS subsystem. This component plays a critical role in managing file systems by allowing users to create a layered file system, which can significantly enhance flexibility and efficiency in file management, especially in containerized environments. The vulnerability arises from a flaw that enables unauthorized access when a user attempts to copy a setuid file with capabilities from a nosuid mount to another mount. Specifically, this uid mapping issue can allow a local user to escalate their privileges, potentially granting them access to sensitive system resources and functionalities that should remain restricted.

By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could gain administrative-level privileges on affected systems, thereby compromising the integrity of the operating environment. This could lead to further attacks, such as the installation of malicious software or unauthorized data access, which could severely disrupt operations and undermine system security.

Potential Impact of CVE-2023-0386

  1. Privilege Escalation: This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges, which can enable them to execute unauthorized actions and access restricted files or system features.

  2. System Compromise: By attaining elevated access rights, a malicious actor could potentially install malware, create backdoors, or conduct other harmful activities that jeopardize the system's integrity and security.

  3. Data Breach and Loss: Unauthorized access to critical system resources may lead to data breaches, exposing sensitive information and resulting in compliance issues, financial losses, and damage to the organization’s reputation.

CISA has reported CVE-2023-0386

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2023-0386 as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace as recent news articles suggest the vulnerability is being used by ransomware groups.

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

Kernel Linux kernel 6.2-rc6

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

News Articles

CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog | CISA

CISA has added one new vulnerability to its KEV Catalog, based on evidence of active exploitation

3 weeks ago

CISA warns of attackers exploiting Linux flaw with PoC exploit

CISA has warned U.S. federal agencies about attackers targeting a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's OverlayFS subsystem that allows them to gain root privileges.

3 weeks ago

CISA Warns Of CVE-2023-0386 Linux Kernel Exploitation

CISA adds CVE-2023-0386, a Linux Kernel privilege escalation flaw in OverlayFS, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

3 weeks ago

References

EPSS Score

50% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 💰

    Used in Ransomware

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • 📰

    First article discovered by yitian.ir

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

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CVE-2023-0386 : Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Linux Kernel’s OverlayFS System