CVE-2023-22756 in ArubaOS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2023
There are buffer overflow vulnerabilities in multiple underlying operating system processes that could lead to unauthenticated remote code execution by sending specially crafted packets via the PAPI protocol. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities result in the ability to execute arbitrary code as a privileged user on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22756 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting multiple operating system processes that communicate through the PAPI protocol. This flaw exists within the foundational network communication mechanisms of affected systems, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code without requiring authentication credentials. The PAPI protocol serves as a fundamental interface for system management and communication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across various networked environments where this protocol is implemented. The buffer overflow occurs during packet processing when the system fails to properly validate input lengths, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the protocol processing code, which falls under CWE-121 buffer overflow conditions. When specially crafted packets are transmitted through the PAPI interface, the receiving processes attempt to store the data in fixed-size buffers without sufficient validation of incoming packet sizes. This allows attackers to exceed buffer boundaries and overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The exploitation mechanism leverages the principle of stack-based buffer overflows where malicious input can overwrite the instruction pointer, redirecting execution flow to attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787 out-of-bounds write conditions, where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer limits.
Operational impact of CVE-2023-22756 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation grants attackers the ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This privilege escalation occurs because the vulnerable processes typically run with administrative or system-level permissions, enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected systems. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring prior access credentials, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. Network-based attacks can be launched from any location with internet connectivity, potentially allowing attackers to compromise systems across different geographical locations. The vulnerability affects multiple operating system implementations, suggesting widespread exposure across various network infrastructure components that utilize PAPI protocol communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-22756 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from vendors, as this represents a critical vulnerability requiring urgent attention. Organizations must implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running PAPI protocol services, reducing potential attack surfaces. The implementation of network access controls and firewall rules can help restrict PAPI protocol traffic to only necessary systems and locations. Monitoring for suspicious packet patterns and anomalous network behavior can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts, with security information and event management systems providing crucial alerting capabilities. Additionally, system hardening measures including disabling unnecessary PAPI protocol services, implementing strict input validation, and conducting regular security assessments should be implemented to reduce overall risk exposure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 legitimate credentials for initial access and T1059 command and scripting interpreter for execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.