Null Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel due to Overlay Filesystem Permission Check

CVE-2023-53260

What is CVE-2023-53260?

A null pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the overlay filesystem of the Linux kernel, specifically within the permission checking routine. This can occur when a race condition leads to a situation where the required real inode is not correctly retrieved, causing the kernel to dereference a null pointer. Exploitation may lead to system instability or crashes during file permission checks, emphasizing the importance of applying security patches provided by vendors to mitigate potential risks.

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