CVE-2023-28653 in Cscape
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2023
The affected application lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing project files (e.g., CSP). This could lead to a use-after-free vulnerability. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28653 represents a critical security flaw in applications that process project files such as CSP files, where insufficient input validation creates a dangerous use-after-free condition. This type of vulnerability occurs when an application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data during the parsing of project files, leading to memory management issues that can be exploited by malicious actors. The lack of proper data validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's memory handling processes, ultimately resulting in arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices during file parsing operations, which aligns with CWE-416, the use-after-free vulnerability category. When an application parses project files without adequate validation, it may allocate memory for parsed data structures and subsequently free that memory while still maintaining references to it. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious project files that manipulate the memory allocation and deallocation patterns, causing the application to execute code from controlled memory locations. This type of vulnerability is classified under the broader ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation typically enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the application's execution context. The memory corruption resulting from improper input handling creates a fundamental weakness that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28653 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within target environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code with the privileges of the compromised application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The use-after-free condition provides attackers with a powerful primitive for memory corruption attacks, allowing them to manipulate program flow and execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where project files are frequently processed or shared, as it can be exploited through social engineering or automated attacks. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious CSP file that triggers the memory management flaw, potentially leading to remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond opening the file.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28653 should focus on implementing robust input validation and memory management practices. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches and updates to address the vulnerability, as most software vendors have released fixes for this issue. Additionally, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied data during file parsing operations can prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Security measures should include validating file formats, sanitizing input data, and implementing proper memory management practices such as using safe string handling functions and avoiding direct memory manipulation. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file processing activities. The implementation of sandboxing techniques and application whitelisting can further reduce the attack surface, ensuring that only trusted applications can process project files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.