CVE-2023-54181 Details
Description
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/
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's BPF verifier allows for improper handling of pointer comparisons in networking BPF programs. This issue arises after changing the program's capabilities, leading to a failure in the BPF verifier that incorrectly flags valid pointer comparisons as prohibited. The vulnerability is present in the stable version 6.1.y of the Linux kernel.
Users can apply the patch available in the Linux kernel stable repository to address this vulnerability. Instructions for downloading the patched version can be found in the Linux kernel documentation.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Dec 30, 2025References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5927f0172d2809d8fc09c1ba667280b0387e9f73 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/acfdc8b77016c8e648aadc283177546c88083dd3 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c96c67991aac6401b4c6996093bccb704bb2ea4b | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d75e30dddf73449bc2d10bb8e2f1a2c446bc67a2 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
No weakness enumeration is available for this CVE.
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Linux kernel | ~6.1 |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
2 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Dec 30, 2025 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |
Volerion