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CVE Record

CVE-2023-38429: An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 6.3.4.

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 6.3.4. fs/ksmbd/connection.c in ksmbd has an off-by-one error in memory allocation (because of ksmbd_smb2_check_message) that may lead to out-of-bounds access.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2023-38429 is a Linux kernel issue in ksmbd, the in-kernel SMB server. A memory allocation off-by-one can cause out-of-bounds access. Business urgency depends on whether systems run ksmbd and whether vendor kernels have backported the upstream fix.

Executive priority

Handle as a targeted kernel exposure review, not an emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize internet-facing or business-critical SMB services, confirm vendor fixes, and close gaps through normal patch governance unless additional exploit evidence emerges.

Technical view

The issue is in fs/ksmbd/connection.c before Linux 6.3.4. The source states ksmbd_smb2_check_message causes an off-by-one allocation error that may lead to out-of-bounds access. No CVSS, CWE, exploitability detail, or affected product matrix is provided in the bundle.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely limited to Linux systems using ksmbd for SMB file-sharing. Systems not running ksmbd are less likely to be directly exposed. Vendor appliances or distributions may be affected only if they include the vulnerable kernel code or backport status is unfavorable.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show active exploitation, and CISA KEV status is false. It also does not provide proof-of-concept details, exploitation prerequisites, or observed attacks. Treat this as a kernel memory-safety issue requiring inventory-driven validation.

Researcher notes

The bundle names the upstream Linux commit and 6.3.4 changelog but lacks CVSS, CWE, affected CPEs, and exploitability analysis. Validation should focus on ksmbd presence and vendor backport status rather than assuming all Linux systems are exposed.

Mitigation direction

  • Update affected Linux kernels to 6.3.4 or a vendor-supported fixed backport.
  • Check distribution and appliance vendor advisories for backported kernel fixes.
  • Prioritize systems running ksmbd or providing SMB services.
  • Reduce ksmbd exposure where business operations allow until fixed.
  • Track NetApp guidance if relevant NetApp products are in scope.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux systems and record kernel versions.
  • Identify whether ksmbd is installed, loaded, or configured.
  • Confirm whether the vendor kernel includes the upstream fix commit.
  • Review SMB-facing hosts before lower-exposure servers.
  • Document vendor advisory status for each affected platform.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2023-38429 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.