kexec ima

About this tag
The kexec ima tag on WindowsForum.com covers Linux kernel security and stability issues related to the Integrity Measurement Architecture (IMA) and the kexec fast-reboot mechanism. A key topic is CVE-2023-52576, a use-after-free bug in the kernel's memblock memory allocator triggered by IMA's kexec cleanup code. This vulnerability can cause kernel instability and denial-of-service, particularly in late-boot or teardown scenarios. The fix involves using memblock_free_late() to avoid freeing memory after the allocator is torn down. Discussions emphasize the importance of disciplined patching for operators, embedded developers, and cloud platform maintainers to prevent crashes in otherwise healthy systems.

  1. Linux kernel CVE-2023-52576: memblock use-after-free fixed by memblock_free_late

    A subtle memory-management timing bug in the Linux kernel has been documented as CVE-2023-52576: an instance where IMA’s kexec cleanup code frees memb-managed memory after the memblock allocator has already been torn down, producing a use‑after‑free that can lead to kernel instability and...
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    • kexec ima linux kernel memblock memory management
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    • Forum: Security Alerts