CVE-2022-29503 in uClibC
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2022
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in the libpthread linuxthreads functionality of uClibC 0.9.33.2 and uClibC-ng 1.0.40. Thread allocation can lead to memory corruption. An attacker can create threads to trigger this vulnerability.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29503 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the libpthread linuxthreads implementation of uClibC versions 0.9.33.2 and uClibC-ng 1.0.40. This flaw resides in the thread allocation mechanism where improper handling of thread creation operations can result in memory corruption conditions that compromise system stability and security. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management during thread initialization processes, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit the underlying implementation weaknesses.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The flaw manifests when attackers can manipulate thread allocation parameters to trigger memory corruption during concurrent thread creation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the threading library level, affecting fundamental system operations that many applications depend upon for concurrent processing. Attackers can leverage this weakness by creating multiple threads in a specific pattern that causes memory corruption in the thread management structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-29503 extends beyond simple system instability, as it can enable attackers to compromise the integrity of thread management within embedded systems and resource-constrained environments where uClibC is commonly deployed. Systems utilizing this vulnerable library may experience unpredictable behavior, application crashes, or even complete system compromise when exploited. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since thread creation is typically available to unprivileged users, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The memory corruption can manifest in various ways including stack corruption, heap corruption, or data structure corruption that affects the threading subsystem's ability to properly manage concurrent execution contexts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through library updates to patched versions of uClibC or uClibC-ng that address the thread allocation flaws. System administrators should prioritize updating embedded systems and IoT devices that utilize these vulnerable libraries, as these environments often lack the robust security controls found in enterprise systems. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can help reduce the exploitability of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for system service execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage thread management weaknesses for broader system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing thread monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the memory corruption can be detected through unusual thread creation patterns or memory access violations that indicate the presence of malicious activity targeting the threading subsystem.