CVE-2023-5178
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel.
Published Nov 1, 2023 · corrected/updated Oct 14, 2026 · linux linux kernel · evidence confidence high
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution or lead to local privilege escalation.
Grounded briefings
Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.
Executive
CVE-2023-5178 is a high public vulnerability record for linux linux kernel. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.
System administrator
Identify whether linux linux kernel is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: linux/linux kernel; netapp/active iq unified manager; redhat/enterprise linux (8.0); redhat/enterprise linux (9.0). Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.
Security analyst
Signals on file: CVSS 8.8, EPSS 9.6%. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Weakness classes: CWE-416. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, epss, nvd. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.
Exploitation and remediation
Exploitation evidence
Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in CISA KEV or VulnCheck KEV.
Patch and remediation
No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.
Safe detection guidance
Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.
Code
The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.
No public source repository is identified for this product.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
Nov 1, 2023 · NIST NVD
Detected
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution or lead to local privilege escalation.
Oct 14, 2026 · NIST NVD
Updated
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote code execution or lead to local privilege escalation.
Affected
- cpe linux/linux kernelversion unspecified
- cpe netapp/active iq unified managerversion unspecified
- cpe redhat/enterprise linux8.0
- cpe redhat/enterprise linux9.0
Sources
- CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2023-5178
Official CVE identifier
cve.org - FIRST EPSSExploitation probabilityCVE-2023-5178
30-day exploitation probability 9.6%
first.org - NIST NVDVulnerability recordCVE-2023-5178
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in drivers/nvme/target/tcp.c nvmet_tcp_free_crypto` due to a logical bug in the NVMe/TCP subsystem in the Linux kernel. This issue may allow a malicious user to cause a use-after-free and double-free problem, which may permit remote c
nvd.nist.gov