CVE-2022-33295 in 9205 LTE Modem
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2023
Information disclosure in Modem due to buffer over-read while parsing the wms message received given the buffer and its length.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-33295 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within modem firmware systems that processes wms messages. This issue stems from improper buffer handling during message parsing operations, creating a scenario where an attacker can potentially extract sensitive data from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability manifests specifically when the modem receives and processes wms messages, indicating a targeted weakness in the communication protocol handling mechanisms. The buffer over-read condition occurs due to inadequate bounds checking and validation of message length parameters during the parsing sequence, allowing unauthorized access to adjacent memory regions that may contain confidential information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer over-read exploit pattern that operates at the application layer of modem firmware. When a wms message is received, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the message length against the allocated buffer size, leading to memory access beyond the intended boundaries. This condition creates opportunities for information leakage where the over-read operation may expose system configuration data, cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other sensitive operational information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within the modem's core processing functions, making it accessible through standard communication channels without requiring elevated privileges or specialized attack vectors. This flaw demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices and represents a fundamental failure in memory management protocols.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure and device confidentiality. The information disclosure could enable attackers to gain insights into modem configuration parameters, communication protocols, or even extract sensitive cryptographic material that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on modem functionality for network connectivity, potentially compromising the security of entire communication networks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about network topology, or extract authentication tokens and other sensitive data that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network segments that depend on affected modem implementations.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-33295 should focus on implementing robust buffer validation mechanisms and strengthening memory management protocols within modem firmware. Organizations should prioritize firmware updates from vendors that address this specific buffer over-read condition through proper bounds checking and length validation procedures. Input sanitization measures must be enhanced to ensure all received wms messages undergo comprehensive validation before processing, with explicit checks for buffer boundaries and message integrity. Security patches should incorporate defensive programming practices that prevent memory access violations and implement proper error handling for malformed messages. Additionally, network monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable interfaces. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-125 categories related to buffer overflows and improper bounds checking, and represents a potential vector for techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and defense evasion domains.