CVE-2023-6817: Use-after-free in Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation.
The function nft_pipapo_walk did not skip inactive elements during set walk which could lead double deactivations of PIPAPO (Pile Packet Policies) elements, leading to use-after-free.
We recommend upgrading past commit 317eb9685095678f2c9f5a8189de698c5354316a.
Security readout for executives and security teams
CVE-2023-6817 is a Linux kernel flaw that can let a logged-in local attacker gain higher privileges. It affects the netfilter nf_tables component. This is not a remote internet-facing bug, but it matters on shared servers, developer systems, and workloads where untrusted local code can run. Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using affected kernels with nf_tables/netfilter available. The source bundle names Linux kernel 5.6 and recommends upgrading past commit 317eb9685095678f2c9f5a8189de698c5354316a. Downstream impact should be confirmed through distribution and vendor advisories. Treat as a high-priority kernel update for Linux environments with local users, shared hosting, CI/CD runners, or appliance exposure. It is less urgent than remote code execution, but successful exploitation could give an attacker full system control after initial local access. Mitigation focus: Upgrade Linux kernels to include or supersede commit 317eb9685095678f2c9f5a8189de698c5354316a.; Apply distribution or vendor kernel updates where available.; Review Debian LTS and relevant Siemens advisories for product-specific guidance..
Prepared
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Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVSS vector scores
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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.