CVE-2023-3338 is a null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DECnet networking protocol implementation. The flaw occurs when the kernel fails to properly validate pointers during DECnet packet processing, leading to a potential dereference of a null pointer. This can be triggered remotely by sending crafted DECnet packets to a vulnerable system.
Mallory correlates every CVE against your assets, your vendors, and active adversary campaigns. Know which vulnerabilities matter for you, not just which ones are loud.
What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.
What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.
If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.
Patch, then assume compromise.
1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
This repository contains multiple local privilege escalation (LPE) exploits targeting the Linux kernel's DECnet protocol implementation, specifically when null page mapping is enabled. The code is organized into several C files, each implementing a different exploitation technique or scenario: - lpe.c: Standard LPE via DECnet null pointer dereference, using a ROP chain to call commit_creds(prepare_kernel_cred(0)) and spawn a root shell. - lpe-core_pattern.c: Exploits the kernel to overwrite the core_pattern sysctl, causing a user-controlled script to be executed as root, which drops a setuid root shell at /tmp/bash or modifies /etc/passwd. - lpe-nosmep.c: Bypasses SMEP protections using a kernel ROP chain to escalate privileges. - lpe-syscall.c: Hooks the mkdir syscall in the sys_call_table to execute a privilege escalation payload. The repository also includes two header files (dn.h, dnetdb.h) providing DECnet protocol structures and helper functions. The README provides detailed build and usage instructions, including required kernel configuration and QEMU command lines for testing different protection scenarios (SMEP, KPTI, etc.). The exploits require local access and specific kernel configurations (notably, null page mapping enabled and DECnet support). The main attack vector is local, exploiting a kernel vulnerability to gain root privileges. The code demonstrates advanced exploitation techniques, including kernel ROP chains, syscall table hooking, and usermode helper abuse.
Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.
Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
1 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.