CVE-2023-53338: lwt: Fix return values of BPF xmit ops
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
lwt: Fix return values of BPF xmit ops
BPF encap ops can return different types of positive values, such like
NET_RX_DROP, NET_XMIT_CN, NETDEV_TX_BUSY, and so on, from function
skb_do_redirect and bpf_lwt_xmit_reroute. At the xmit hook, such return
values would be treated implicitly as LWTUNNEL_XMIT_CONTINUE in
ip(6)_finish_output2. When this happens, skbs that have been freed would
continue to the neighbor subsystem, causing use-after-free bug and
kernel crashes.
To fix the incorrect behavior, skb_do_redirect return values can be
simply discarded, the same as tc-egress behavior. On the other hand,
bpf_lwt_xmit_reroute returns useful errors to local senders, e.g. PMTU
information. Thus convert its return values to avoid the conflict with
LWTUNNEL_XMIT_CONTINUE.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A Linux kernel networking bug can let a local low-privileged user trigger use-after-free behavior in BPF lightweight tunnel transmit handling. The source describes kernel crashes and CVSS marks high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, so treat exposed multi-user Linux systems as a priority.
Executive priority
Prioritize normal emergency patch handling for exposed multi-user Linux infrastructure. There is no cited active exploitation, but the local low-privilege requirement and high impact make delayed remediation risky on shared hosts.
Technical view
The flaw is in Linux kernel lwt BPF xmit operations. Positive return values from skb_do_redirect and bpf_lwt_xmit_reroute could be interpreted as LWTUNNEL_XMIT_CONTINUE, allowing freed skbs to continue into the neighbor subsystem and causing CWE-416 use-after-free.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to affected Linux kernels using reachable BPF lightweight tunnel transmit paths. The bundle lists Linux kernel versions including 4.10, 5.4.257, 5.10.195, 5.15.132, 6.1.53, 6.4.16, 6.5.3, and 6.6 as affected, but distro backport status must be checked separately.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. CVSS indicates local attack, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Public evidence here supports crash/use-after-free risk, not remote exploitation.
Researcher notes
Evidence is strongest for the kernel root cause and fix direction from the CVE description and stable commit references. The bundle does not provide exploit details, distro-specific fixed package versions, or proof of in-the-wild exploitation.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor or distribution kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize shared Linux hosts, container platforms, and systems allowing local untrusted users.
Check whether custom kernels include the listed git.kernel.org stable commits.
If patching is delayed, reduce local untrusted shell access where feasible.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, workstations, and container hosts.
Map distro package versions to vendor advisories and stable kernel commits.
Review whether BPF lightweight tunnel features are enabled or used.
Confirm patched systems boot into the updated kernel, not an older installed kernel.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-416: Exact CWE lookup
Use the exact CWE identifier as the starting point before reviewing related ATT&CK behavior. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
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.
1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
8Source links
SSVC decision data
CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-416 · source CWE mapping
Use After Free
Use After Free represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.