CVE-2023-35648 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In ProtocolMiscLceIndAdapter::GetConfLevel() of protocolmiscadapter.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-2023-35648 resides within the ProtocolMiscLceIndAdapter::GetConfLevel() function in the protocolmiscadapter.cpp source file, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that manifests due to insufficient input validation. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and more broadly aligns with CWE-125, which encompasses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists within the baseband processing components of mobile device firmware, where the protocol miscellaneous adapter handles communication between different layers of the device's cellular stack. The missing bounds check occurs when the function processes configuration level indicators without properly validating the index or size parameters, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential baseband firmware compromise, making it particularly dangerous in mobile device environments where baseband processors handle critical communication functions. Attackers can exploit this condition remotely without requiring user interaction, which significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers to successful exploitation. The vulnerability's remote exploitability stems from the fact that the baseband firmware components are accessible through cellular network protocols, allowing malicious actors to craft specific packets that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. When the vulnerable code executes, it reads memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. The baseband firmware compromise aspect indicates that successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain deeper access to the device's core communication capabilities, potentially allowing for more sophisticated attacks including call interception, location tracking, or even complete device control.
The exploitation of CVE-2023-35648 aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and the Technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the baseband environment. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK Technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and similar execution techniques that could be adapted for mobile environments. Security researchers have noted that the lack of user interaction requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited during routine cellular communication without any specific user engagement. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted cellular signaling messages that trigger the vulnerable function path, causing the out-of-bounds read that subsequently leaks memory contents or enables further exploitation. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for mobile device manufacturers and network operators who must consider the implications of baseband-level compromises, as these components often contain sensitive cryptographic material and are critical to maintaining secure communications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that baseband firmware updates are often delivered through carrier channels and may not be immediately available to users, creating extended periods of exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35648 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking within the ProtocolMiscLceIndAdapter::GetConfLevel() function and ensuring that all input parameters are validated before processing. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the source code to include comprehensive bounds validation, ensuring that array indices and buffer sizes are properly checked before memory access operations. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous cellular signaling patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, firmware update mechanisms should be prioritized to ensure rapid deployment of patches to affected devices, particularly for mobile devices where baseband firmware updates may require specific carrier coordination. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure with baseband compromise potential necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes both immediate code fixes and long-term monitoring strategies to prevent exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to make exploitation more difficult, though these measures alone cannot prevent the core bounds checking vulnerability. Regular security assessments of baseband components and cellular stack implementations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other parts of the device's communication infrastructure, as the presence of one such vulnerability often indicates potential for similar issues in related code sections.