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CVE-2023-5178 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel NVMe-over-TCP target subsystem. A logic error in the nvmet_tcp_free_crypto cleanup routine can result in use-after-free and double-free conditions during cryptographic-resource cleanup. The resulting memory corruption may enable remote code execution or local privilege escalation.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
This repository provides a full exploit for CVE-2023-5178, a logic error in the Linux kernel's NVMe-oF-TCP driver that leads to a racy double-free in kmalloc-96, enabling local privilege escalation (LPE). The exploit is tailored for Ubuntu 23.10 with kernel 6.5.0-9-generic but can be adapted to other v6/v5 kernels. The structure includes: - `src/xpl.c`: The main exploit, which orchestrates the attack by manipulating kernel memory via crafted NVMe-oF-TCP PDUs, FUSE filesystem operations, and ROP chains to achieve LPE. - `src/poc.c`: A proof-of-concept that triggers the vulnerability to test if a system is affected (causes a crash if vulnerable). - `src/fuse.c`: Implements a FUSE filesystem used as part of the exploitation process to control memory layout and synchronization. - `src/pdu.h` and `src/crc32c.h`: Protocol and utility headers for NVMe-oF-TCP packet crafting and CRC calculations. - `cat_nvme.sh` and `start_nvme.sh`: Shell scripts to assist with kernel module setup and information gathering. - `Makefile`: Build instructions for the exploit and PoC. The exploit requires the target to be running a vulnerable kernel with NVMe-oF-TCP enabled and configured. It uses both local and network attack vectors: the attacker must be able to connect to the NVMe-oF-TCP service (default port 4420) on the target, and local code execution is required to run the exploit. The payload manipulates kernel memory to gain root privileges. The repository is well-structured, with clear separation between the PoC, full exploit, and setup scripts.
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24 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
Linux kernel NVMe target TCP use-after-free in nvmet_tcp_free_crypto.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel NVMe target TCP nvmet_tcp_free_crypto function.
Linux kernel NVMe target TCP use-after-free vulnerability in nvmet_tcp_free_crypto.
Linux kernel NVMe target TCP use-after-free vulnerability in nvmet_tcp_free_crypto().
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
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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.