🛡️ CVE-2023-54181 — kernel
Description
bpf: Fix issue in verifying allow_ptr_leaks
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/
Affected software
CVE-2023-54181 is recorded against 2 packages.
- kernel (from 6.5.0 up to 6.5.3)
- unknown
Timeline and source
Published on 30 December 2025 and last revised on 12 August 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from NVD.
References
git.kernel.org (Web)
git.kernel.org (Web)
git.kernel.org (Web)
git.kernel.org (Web)
github.com (Advisory)
nvd.nist.gov (Advisory)
git.kernel.org (Package)
CVE-2023-54181 on other distributions
Each distribution ships its own build and its own fixed version. Pick the one you run:
Details
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| kernel | 6.5.0 | 6.5.3 |
| unknown | — | — |
References
Similar Threats
- Unknown ALBA-2026:39332
- Unknown ALSA-2023:1703
- Unknown ALSA-2023:1566
- Unknown ALSA-2023:1470
- Unknown ALSA-2023:0951
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