CVE-2023-32250
Published: 10 July 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-32250 is a critical-severity Race Condition (CWE-362) vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel. Its CVSS base score is 9.0 (Critical).
Operationally, ranked at the 29.2th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
CVE-2023-32250 is a race condition vulnerability (CWE-362) in the Linux kernel's ksmbd component, an in-kernel SMB server. The flaw occurs during processing of SMB2_SESSION_SETUP commands due to missing proper locking on affected objects, enabling out-of-bounds or concurrent access issues that can lead to kernel-level code execution. It carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.0 reflecting network attack vector, high complexity, no required privileges or user interaction, and changed scope with full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
A remote attacker can exploit the issue over the network by sending crafted SMB2_SESSION_SETUP requests to trigger the locking flaw. Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution inside the kernel, allowing full system compromise on affected Linux hosts running ksmbd.
Advisories from Red Hat, NetApp, and the Zero Day Initiative reference the CVE and point to vendor-specific patches and updates that address the locking deficiency in ksmbd.
EPSS for the CVE rose from a low baseline to a peak of 0.0788 on 2025-01-22 before receding, indicating measurable post-disclosure exploitation interest that warrants renewed attention for unpatched systems.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-36507
Vulnerability details
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's ksmbd, a high-performance in-kernel SMB server. The specific flaw exists within the processing of SMB2_SESSION_SETUP commands. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. An…
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attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the kernel.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Accurate timestamps from internal clocks enable detection of race conditions by providing reliable event ordering in audit logs.
Coordination of concurrent security activities reduces the probability that shared resources will be accessed simultaneously without proper synchronization.