CVE-2023-40101 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
In collapse of canonicalize_md.c, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40101 resides within the canonicalize_md.c component of a software system, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from inadequate input validation. This flaw manifests during the canonicalization process where file paths are normalized and resolved, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The absence of proper bounds checking in this critical code path allows attackers to potentially read memory locations that should remain inaccessible, thereby exposing sensitive information that may include system internals, configuration data, or other confidential elements stored in adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read scenario that aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The flaw occurs during the path resolution phase where the canonicalize_md.c module processes file paths without adequate validation of array indices or buffer limits. This particular weakness enables local information disclosure attacks where an attacker can exploit the missing bounds check to extract data from memory locations that should not be accessible through normal program execution paths. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no additional privileges beyond normal user access and does not necessitate user interaction, making it a latent threat that can be exploited silently in the background.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted data could potentially reveal system architecture details, memory layout information, or sensitive configuration parameters that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. Attackers could leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further system compromise. The local nature of the attack means that an adversary with basic user-level access could gain insights into system internals without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where canonical path resolution is frequently used, such as web servers, file management systems, or any application that processes user-provided file paths and resolves them to canonical forms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40101 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms within the canonicalize_md.c module and similar path resolution functions. The most effective approach involves adding proper input validation that verifies array indices against buffer boundaries before any memory access occurs, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor patches or updates that address the specific bounds checking deficiency in the canonicalization routine. Additionally, implementing memory safety mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and compiler-based bounds checking features can provide additional layers of protection. Regular code reviews focusing on memory access patterns and buffer handling should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar out-of-bounds read conditions that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.