CVE-2023-35647 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In ProtocolEmbmsGlobalCellIdAdapter::Init() of protocolembmsadapter.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote information disclosure with baseband firmware compromise required. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35647 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the ProtocolEmbmsGlobalCellIdAdapter::Init() function of the protocolembmsadapter.cpp source file. This flaw manifests as a missing bounds check during the initialization process of an embedded multimedia broadcast multicast service adapter component that handles global cell identifier data structures. The absence of proper input validation and boundary verification creates a scenario where maliciously crafted data can cause the application to read memory beyond its allocated bounds, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the initialization routine of the multimedia broadcast multicast service protocol adapter. When the Init() function processes incoming global cell identifier data, it fails to verify that the data length or index values remain within acceptable ranges before accessing memory locations. This condition allows an attacker to manipulate the input parameters in such a way that subsequent memory accesses traverse unauthorized memory regions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds check, which directly relates to improper validation of input data ranges and memory access boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for remote information disclosure attacks that require baseband firmware compromise as a prerequisite for exploitation. The requirement for baseband firmware compromise indicates that attackers must first gain access to the underlying cellular radio firmware before they can leverage this memory corruption flaw. This prerequisite suggests that the vulnerability exists within the lower-level communication protocols that interface directly with the physical cellular hardware components. The attack vector operates without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by remote adversaries who have already compromised the baseband firmware environment.
The potential impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include possible system compromise and data exfiltration. Memory corruption vulnerabilities of this nature can potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation within the affected system. The fact that baseband firmware compromise is required indicates that this vulnerability operates at a level of system architecture that interfaces directly with cellular hardware, making it particularly challenging to mitigate without comprehensive firmware updates. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual cellular protocol traffic patterns as part of their defensive strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35647 should focus on immediate firmware updates from vendors that address the bounds checking deficiency in the protocol adapter implementation. System administrators should prioritize patch management processes to ensure that all affected cellular infrastructure components receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries may provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for execution through application-specific protocols and T1566 for initial access through firmware compromise, highlighting the multi-stage nature of potential exploitation scenarios that organizations must prepare for in their cybersecurity defenses.