CVE-2023-32663 in RealSense SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2023
Incorrect default permissions in some Intel(R) RealSense(TM) SDKs in version 0.25.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32663 represents a critical security flaw within Intel(R) RealSense(TM) SDK version 0.25.0 that stems from improper default permission configurations. This issue affects the software development kit used for integrating Intel RealSense depth sensing technology into various applications and systems. The flaw manifests when the SDK initializes with insufficiently restrictive file and directory permissions, creating potential attack vectors for authenticated users who possess local access to systems running affected software. The vulnerability specifically targets the default security posture established by the SDK during installation and runtime operations, where sensitive components are not adequately protected against unauthorized modification or access.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of weak default permission settings that are typically established during the SDK deployment process. When the RealSense SDK is installed, certain system resources including configuration files, library components, and runtime directories may be created with overly permissive access controls that exceed the minimum necessary privileges. This misconfiguration allows authenticated local users to manipulate system components that should remain restricted to administrative or system-level access. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication to exploit, meaning that any user with legitimate access to the system can potentially leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges. The flaw aligns with CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect permission assignment in software systems, and represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation in security-critical components.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32663 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire system security postures. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges that would allow them to modify core system components, install malicious software, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. This is particularly problematic in enterprise settings where RealSense SDKs are integrated into security-sensitive applications, industrial automation systems, or IoT deployments where unauthorized privilege escalation could lead to significant operational disruptions or data breaches. The local access requirement means that this vulnerability is most dangerous in environments where physical or network access is not properly controlled, as it could be exploited by insider threats or attackers who have already gained initial access to the system through other means. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local system exploitation, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to expand their operational capabilities within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-32663 should focus on immediate remediation through official Intel updates and patches that address the default permission configurations within the RealSense SDK. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of the SDK that resolves this vulnerability, as Intel has likely released specific patches addressing the incorrect permission assignments. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing RealSense SDK installations to identify and correct any manually configured permissions that may have been inherited from the vulnerable version. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to RealSense-related system components, as well as establishing principle of least privilege configurations that limit what local users can access or modify within systems utilizing the SDK. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly in environments where multiple users or applications may interact with RealSense-enabled systems.