CVE-2022-33288 in 315 5G IoT Modem
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2023
Memory corruption due to buffer copy without checking the size of input in Core while sending SCM command to get write protection information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2023
This vulnerability exists within the core component of a system where memory corruption occurs due to improper buffer handling during the execution of SCM commands. The flaw specifically manifests when the system attempts to retrieve write protection information through SCM command execution without validating the size of the input data being copied into a buffer. This fundamental oversight creates a condition where malicious or malformed input can exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that may result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow scenario that violates established security principles and coding practices. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue directly relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it can potentially allow attackers to execute code with elevated privileges, particularly when the affected system handles sensitive write protection commands. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve crafting malicious SCM commands that trigger the buffer overflow. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and size checking mechanisms within the core system components responsible for handling SCM communications. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate memory layout to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code into the target system's memory space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper memory management practices during SCM command processing. The system's core component lacks defensive programming measures that would typically validate input parameters before buffer operations occur. This particular flaw occurs during the transmission of SCM commands to retrieve write protection status information, suggesting that the vulnerability affects system firmware or low-level software components that handle hardware protection mechanisms. The absence of size validation creates a predictable attack surface where input data can overflow allocated memory buffers, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data. Such memory corruption scenarios often provide attackers with opportunities to achieve privilege escalation, as the system may be operating with elevated permissions when processing SCM commands. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data to ensure that the buffer overflow precisely targets desired memory locations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged for persistent system compromise, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques. The flaw essentially eliminates the boundary checking that should occur during buffer copy operations, violating the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. The system's failure to implement proper bounds checking represents a significant gap in its defensive architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct fix involves implementing comprehensive input validation and size checking mechanisms before any buffer copy operations occur during SCM command processing. This includes adding bounds checking routines that verify input data lengths against allocated buffer sizes, effectively preventing the overflow condition from occurring. Organizations should also implement defensive programming practices such as using secure string handling functions and memory management techniques that automatically handle buffer size validation. The vulnerability's impact suggests that system updates or patches should be prioritized immediately, particularly in environments where SCM commands are frequently processed or where write protection mechanisms are critical to system security. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may trigger requirements under standards such as iso 27001 and nist cyber security framework, which mandate proper input validation and secure coding practices. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous SCM command patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The implementation of automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify similar buffer handling issues across the codebase will help prevent future occurrences of comparable flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where write protection information is critical for system integrity. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on buffer handling practices will help maintain system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.