CVE-2023-35966 in YF325
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Two heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the httpd manage_post functionality of Yifan YF325 v1.0_20221108. A specially crafted network request can lead to a heap buffer overflow. An attacker can send a network request to trigger these vulnerabilities.This integer overflow result is used as argument for the realloc function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-35966 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the Yifan YF325 v1.0_20221108 web server implementation. This flaw specifically manifests within the httpd manage_post functionality, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to craft network requests that trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing user-supplied data, which then serves as an argument to the realloc memory management function. This particular implementation flaw creates a dangerous scenario where the application fails to properly validate the size parameters before memory allocation, leading to potential heap corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The integer overflow specifically occurs when the application processes network requests containing specially crafted data that, when converted to integer values, exceed the maximum representable value for the target data type. This overflow condition then propagates to the realloc function call, where the corrupted size value causes the memory allocator to either allocate insufficient memory or overwrite adjacent heap regions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability under the technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application flaws to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35966 extends beyond simple denial of service, as heap corruption vulnerabilities often provide attackers with opportunities for privilege escalation and remote code execution. When an attacker successfully triggers this vulnerability, they can potentially overwrite critical memory structures including function pointers, return addresses, or other control data that govern program execution flow. The affected Yifan YF325 device operates as a web server component, making it particularly vulnerable to exploitation through network-based attacks that do not require physical access or authentication. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to process HTTP POST requests, which are fundamental to web application functionality, potentially compromising the entire device if successful exploitation occurs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, as the most effective solution addresses the root cause by implementing proper integer overflow checking and bounds validation. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious traffic, while also deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious HTTP request patterns targeting the vulnerable manage_post functionality. The implementation of input sanitization measures, including strict validation of request sizes and data length parameters, provides additional defense-in-depth layers that can prevent exploitation even if other controls fail. Organizations should also consider implementing heap protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable memory regions to complicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar integer overflow conditions in other software components that may present analogous risks to the overall system security posture.