CVE-2023-29414 in Accutech Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
A CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input (Classic Buffer Overflow) vulnerability exists that could cause user privilege escalation if a local user sends specific string input to a local function call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2023
This vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition classified under CWE-120 which occurs when a program copies data into a buffer without properly checking the size of the input data against the buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests in a local function call where an unvalidated string input is processed, creating an opportunity for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability exists within a local context, meaning that exploitation requires local system access, but the potential impact extends to privilege escalation. When a local user crafts and submits a specially formatted string input to the vulnerable function, the buffer overflow allows the attacker to overwrite critical memory segments including return addresses, function pointers, or privilege-related variables. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially transitioning from a regular user account to a root or administrator level access. The attack vector requires the target system to be compromised at the local level, typically through legitimate user access or a foothold obtained via other means. The vulnerability's exploitation path aligns with attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting local system exploitation methods. The buffer overflow condition fundamentally violates memory safety principles and represents a common weakness in software implementations where input validation and bounds checking are insufficient. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution as the privilege escalation capability can enable attackers to gain persistent access, modify system configurations, or establish backdoors. System administrators should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability since it allows for local users to potentially elevate their privileges without requiring external network access. The vulnerability's classification as a classic buffer overflow means that traditional exploitation techniques such as stack smashing or return-oriented programming could be employed. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and code signing measures. The issue demonstrates how inadequate input handling can create severe security implications even in local contexts, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input size validation within the targeted function. When a string input exceeds the allocated buffer size, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical program state information. This condition creates a predictable attack surface where an attacker can manipulate the program execution flow by overwriting return addresses or other control data structures. The privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability indicates that the buffer overflow occurs in a context where the program operates with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly more severe. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation typically requires either physical access to the system or prior compromise through other attack vectors. Attackers may employ various techniques to identify the exact buffer size requirements and the memory layout to craft effective payloads. The vulnerability's presence in a local function call suggests that the software may be executing with elevated privileges, which amplifies the security implications. Security researchers have noted similar patterns in other buffer overflow vulnerabilities where local privilege escalation opportunities arise from insufficient input validation mechanisms. The exploitation process often involves precise buffer size calculations and memory address manipulation to ensure successful privilege elevation. This type of vulnerability commonly appears in legacy codebases where modern security practices were not fully implemented or where rapid development cycles bypassed proper input validation checks. The potential for privilege escalation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through social engineering, credential compromise, or other initial access vectors. Organizations should consider implementing additional runtime protections such as heap spraying, memory protection mechanisms, and comprehensive logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with known attack patterns from the ATT&CK framework where local privilege escalation techniques are frequently employed by both malicious actors and red teams conducting security assessments. Proper code review and static analysis tools can help identify similar buffer overflow conditions throughout the codebase, preventing similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation capabilities to encompass long-term security posture implications. Systems running vulnerable software become potential entry points for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the local environment. The vulnerability's local nature means that traditional network-based security controls may not prevent exploitation, requiring additional host-based security measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous input patterns or memory access violations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The privilege escalation capability creates opportunities for attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their overall risk assessment, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled or monitored. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor coding oversights can create significant security weaknesses, emphasizing the need for robust software development practices and regular security testing. Implementation of defense-in-depth strategies becomes crucial, including process isolation, privilege separation, and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar issues. The potential for this vulnerability to be combined with other local exploits or misconfigurations creates additional attack surface complexity that security professionals must account for in their risk assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a classic buffer overflow makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation by automated attack tools, increasing the risk of widespread compromise across similar systems. Regular security training for development teams can help prevent the introduction of similar vulnerabilities in future software releases, addressing the root cause rather than merely patching symptoms. The presence of such vulnerabilities in production systems underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and continuous monitoring for emerging threats.