CVE-2023-54181
- Published: 2025-12-30T13:16:06.037
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
bpf: Fix issue in verifying allow_ptr_leaks
After we converted the capabilities of our networking-bpf program from
cap_sys_admin to cap_net_admin+cap_bpf, our networking-bpf program
failed to start. Because it failed the bpf verifier, and the error log
is “R3 pointer comparison prohibited”.
A simple reproducer as follows,
SEC(“cls-ingress”)
int ingress(struct __sk_buff *skb)
{
struct iphdr *iph = (void *)(long)skb->data + sizeof(struct ethhdr);
if ((long)(iph + 1) > (long)skb->data_end)
return TC_ACT_STOLEN;
return TC_ACT_OK;
}
Per discussion with Yonghong and Alexei [1], comparison of two packet
pointers is not a pointer leak. This patch fixes it.
Our local kernel is 6.1.y and we expect this fix to be backported to
6.1.y, so stable is CCed.
[1]. https://lore.kernel.org/bpf/CAADnVQ+Nmspr7Si+pxWn8zkE7hX-7s93ugwC+94aXSy4uQ9vBg@mail.gmail.com/
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How to fix CVE-2023-54181
Description: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix issue in verifying allow_ptr_leaks After we converted the capabilities of our networking-bpf program from cap_sys_admin to cap_net_admin+cap_bpf, our networking-bpf program failed to start. Because it failed the bpf verifier, and the error log is “R3 pointer comparison prohibited”. A simple reproducer as follows, […]
Exploit Difficulty: HARD
⏱️ Time to exploit: > 4 hours
🛠️ Required skills: Advanced security expertise
💰 Public exploits: Rare or not public
How to Fix:
- Check if you're running the affected product
- Update to the latest patched version
- If patching is not immediately possible: restrict network exposure, apply least-privilege access
- Test the fix in a staging environment first
- Review logs for signs of exploitation
- Monitor for IOCs (Indicators of Compromise)
- Enable automatic security updates
- Set up vulnerability monitoring
- Review and harden security configurations
Vendor Advisory: https://lore.kernel.org/bpf/CAADnVQ+Nmspr7Si+pxWn8zkE7hX-7s93ugwC+94aXSy4uQ9vBg@mail.gmail.com/
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