CVE-2022-23523: In versions prior to 0.8.1, the linux-loader crate uses the offsets and sizes provided in the ELF headers to d

Q: How do I fix CVE-2022-23523?

linux-loader: upgrade to 0.8.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2022-23523 being exploited?

CVE-2022-23523 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2022-23523 affect?

CVE-2022-23523 affects linux-loader. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.0). In versions prior to 0.8.1, the linux-loader crate uses the offsets and sizes provided in the ELF headers to determine the offsets to read from. If those offsets point beyond the end of the file this could lead to Virtual Machine Monitors u

Q: How urgent is CVE-2022-23523?

Priority 22/100. On your watchlist

Routine

MEDIUM 4.0WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2022-23523 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.0) affecting linux-loader. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In versions prior to 0.8.1, the linux-loader crate uses the offsets and sizes provided in the ELF headers to determine the offsets to read from. If those offsets point beyond the end of the file this could lead to Virtual Machine Monitors using the `linux-loader` crate entering an infinite loop if the ELF header of the kernel they are loading was modified in a malicious manner. This issue has been addressed in 0.8.1. The issue can be mitigated by

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.0 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 88%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119, CWE-125
Published	2022-12-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: linux-loader project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-12-13 08:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:30 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linux-loader project linux-loader UPGRADE

Affected: < 0.8.1

Fixed in: 0.8.1

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy linux-loader || rpm -q linux-loader || linux-loader --version

2. UPGRADE to 0.8.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade linux-loader

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade linux-loader

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2022-23523?

linux-loader: upgrade to 0.8.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-23523 being exploited?

CVE-2022-23523 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2022-23523 affect?

CVE-2022-23523 affects linux-loader. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.0). In versions prior to 0.8.1, the linux-loader crate uses the offsets and sizes provided in the ELF headers to determine the offsets to read from. If those offsets point beyond the end of the file this could lead to Virtual Machine Monitors u

How urgent is CVE-2022-23523?

Priority 22/100. On your watchlist

References

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