CVE-2023-38023 in SCONE
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
An issue was discovered in SCONE Confidential Computing Platform before 5.8.0 for Intel SGX. Lack of pointer-alignment logic in __scone_dispatch and other entry functions allows a local attacker to access unauthorized information, aka an "AEPIC Leak."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38023 affects the SCONE Confidential Computing Platform version 5.8.0 and earlier, specifically within the Intel SGX environment. This issue stems from insufficient pointer alignment validation within critical entry functions including __scone_dispatch and related components. The flaw represents a significant security weakness that undermines the confidentiality guarantees typically associated with confidential computing environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through inadequate memory alignment checks during function dispatch operations within the SGX enclave environment. When pointer alignment logic is missing or insufficient, it creates opportunities for attackers to exploit memory access patterns and potentially extract sensitive information through side-channel analysis. The vulnerability specifically impacts the AEPIC (Application Entry Point Information Leakage) attack vector, where local adversaries can leverage misaligned memory references to gain unauthorized access to data that should remain protected within the secure enclave boundaries.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability compromises the fundamental security model of confidential computing platforms by allowing local attackers to potentially access unauthorized information that resides within the same memory space as the protected application. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it undermines the trust model that confidential computing environments are designed to provide. Attackers could potentially extract cryptographic keys, application data, or other sensitive information that should remain isolated within the SGX enclave.
The security implications align with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-128 (Wraparound Error) classifications, as the missing pointer alignment logic creates predictable memory access patterns that can be exploited. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it enables local privilege escalation through information leakage. The attack surface is particularly concerning in confidential computing environments where the assumption is that data within enclaves remains protected even from the host operating system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on upgrading to SCONE Confidential Computing Platform version 5.8.0 or later, which includes proper pointer alignment validation in the affected entry functions. Organizations should also implement additional runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns and consider deploying memory integrity checks. System administrators should review access controls and ensure that only authorized local users have access to systems running vulnerable versions. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the updated pointer alignment logic does not introduce performance regressions while maintaining the security guarantees expected from confidential computing environments.