Kernel memory overwrite via doubled hex output
Published Mar 23, 2023 · Updated May 5, 2025
Buffer overflow in the Linux kernel before 5.13.3 allows local users with high privileges to overwrite memory via seq_buf_putmem_hex. The function limits each chunk by the hexadecimal-output buffer size even though every input byte produces two output characters, allowing its output index to pass the destination boundary. Reaching the flawed function requires local high-privilege execution; public records do not document a reproducer or a specific post-overflow outcome.
Summary
What happened
Buffer overflow in the Linux kernel before 5.13.3 allows local users with high privileges to overwrite memory via seq_buf_putmem_hex. The function limits each chunk by the hexadecimal-output buffer size even though every input byte produces two output characters, allowing its output index to pass the destination boundary. Reaching the flawed function requires local high-privilege execution; public records do not document a reproducer or a specific post-overflow outcome.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-28772
- Published
- Mar 23, 2023
- Updated
- May 5, 2025
- Vendor
- Unknown vendor
- Product
- Unknown product
- Classifications
- CWE-120
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- admin
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Mar 23, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- May 5, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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What is affected?
Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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