CVE-2023-35303 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2023
USB Audio Class System Driver Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
This vulnerability resides within the USB Audio Class system driver component of operating systems, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited through malicious USB audio devices or crafted USB communications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory handling within the driver's processing of audio data streams, creating opportunities for buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution when legitimate audio devices are connected or when malicious payloads are transmitted through USB audio interfaces.
The technical implementation involves the driver's failure to properly validate audio packet structures, sample rates, and format descriptors received from connected USB audio devices. When a malicious device presents specially crafted audio configurations or stream data, the vulnerable driver processes these inputs without sufficient bounds checking, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This flaw operates at the system level rather than requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by connecting a malicious USB audio device to an affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple audio functionality degradation, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete system control including privilege escalation to kernel mode, potential lateral movement capabilities, and data exfiltration opportunities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in supply chain attacks targeting USB audio devices, or through physical access scenarios where malicious devices are connected to systems. The risk is amplified by the widespread use of USB audio interfaces across enterprise environments and consumer devices, making this a high-impact vulnerability for both individual users and organizations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment from vendor sources, along with network-level restrictions that prevent unauthorized USB device connections through USB ports or USB device filtering policies. System administrators should implement USB device whitelisting controls and disable unnecessary USB audio functionality when not required. Additional protective measures include enabling kernel address space layout randomization, data execution prevention, and monitoring for suspicious USB device enumeration patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous USB audio driver behavior or unauthorized device connections. This vulnerability maps to CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, while potentially supporting lateral movement through T1566 for credential access via USB devices.