Network-filter bypass via incorrect TUN/TAP socket UID
Published Aug 7, 2023 · Updated Mar 24, 2026
Type confusion in the Linux kernel of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and 9 allows local users to bypass network filters. The tun_chr_open and tap_open paths pass inode->i_uid to sock_init_data_uid instead of current_fsuid, so sockets can receive incorrect root ownership. Exploitation requires local access and CAP_NET_ADMIN; affected filtering or routing rules can then trust attacker-created traffic as root-owned.
Summary
What happened
Type confusion in the Linux kernel of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and 9 allows local users to bypass network filters. The tun_chr_open and tap_open paths pass inode->i_uid to sock_init_data_uid instead of current_fsuid, so sockets can receive incorrect root ownership. Exploitation requires local access and CAP_NET_ADMIN; affected filtering or routing rules can then trust attacker-created traffic as root-owned.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-4194
- Published
- Aug 7, 2023
- Updated
- Mar 24, 2026
- Vendor
- Red Hat
- Product
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
- Classifications
- CWE-863, CWE-843, T1562.004
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 7, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Mar 24, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Affected versions are unavailable in this record. Check the vendor advisory for version and patch details.
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
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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