CVE intelligence and bounded remediation

CVE-2023-39191 — An improper input validation flaw was found in the eBPF subsystem in the Linux kernel

High CVSS 8.2

An improper input validation flaw was found in the eBPF subsystem in the Linux kernel. The issue occurs due to a lack of proper validation of dynamic pointers within user-supplied eBPF programs prior to executing them. This may allow an attacker with CAP_BPF privileges to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the kernel.

Severity
High
CVSS
8.2 (3.1)
Published
2023-10-04
CISA KEV
Not currently listed
Ecosystem
linux/kernel
Weaknesses
CWE-20

Affected products

  • linux / linux_kernel
  • fedoraproject / fedora / 38
  • redhat / enterprise_linux / 9.0

Matched remediation archetype

Command, code, expression, and template injection

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Check exposure

  • Trace untrusted values to process execution, interpreters, evaluators, template engines, dynamic imports, and administrative scripting features.
  • Determine whether the affected path is reachable across each trust boundary and which service account or host privilege it inherits.
  • Review configuration for optional execution features, unsafe compatibility modes, and shell invocation.

Remediate safely

  • Replace string-built commands or evaluated code with fixed operations and structured argument APIs that do not invoke a shell.
  • Use strict allowlists for operation identifiers and reject unexpected input before it reaches any interpreter.
  • Update the affected component and add inert regression tests covering metacharacters, encoding variants, and alternate request paths.

Authoritative sources

Complete CVE record and remediation plan

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