CVE-2023-42558 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
Out of bounds write vulnerability in HDCP in HAL prior to SMR Dec-2023 Release 1 allows attacker to perform code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42558 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Hardware Abstraction Layer's HDCP implementation in mobile devices prior to the SMR December 2023 release. This issue resides in the kernel-level hardware abstraction layer component responsible for managing High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection protocols that secure digital video content transmission between devices. The vulnerability specifically affects the HDCP subsystem which is integral to protecting premium content such as streaming video and high-definition media. The flaw manifests when the system processes HDCP authentication protocols, particularly during the validation and verification stages where cryptographic key exchanges occur. The out-of-bounds write condition arises from inadequate bounds checking within the memory allocation routines that handle HDCP key material processing, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust placed in the HDCP implementation within the HAL layer, which operates with elevated privileges and direct hardware access capabilities. Attackers can craft malicious HDCP handshake sequences that trigger the vulnerable code path, causing the system to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite critical system structures, function pointers, or return addresses within the kernel space, providing a pathway for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that HDCP operations typically occur during device initialization and content playback scenarios, giving attackers multiple opportunities to trigger the exploit. The flaw aligns with CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write, which specifically addresses memory corruption issues resulting from writing beyond allocated buffer boundaries. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level, bypassing standard user-space protections and potentially enabling privilege escalation from user mode to kernel mode execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42558 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security assurances provided by the HDCP protocol itself. Devices vulnerable to this flaw may experience complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain root access and execute arbitrary code with full system privileges. The vulnerability affects devices running software versions prior to the December 2023 Security Patch Release, making a substantial portion of deployed mobile devices susceptible to exploitation. This issue creates potential for unauthorized content access, device hijacking, and data exfiltration scenarios, particularly in environments where digital rights management is critical. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further enhanced by the fact that HDCP operations are frequently triggered during normal device usage, reducing the need for specialized attack conditions. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes local privilege escalation, and T1547.001, covering registry run keys or startup folder. The compromised device could serve as a pivot point for broader network infiltration, especially in enterprise environments where mobile devices connect to corporate networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42558 require immediate deployment of the December 2023 Security Patch Release which includes fixed HDCP implementation within the HAL layer. Organizations should prioritize patch management procedures to ensure all affected devices receive the security update promptly, particularly those handling sensitive or copyrighted content. Device manufacturers and service providers should implement comprehensive vulnerability assessment programs to identify and remediate similar issues across their device portfolios. Additional protective measures include monitoring for anomalous HDCP handshake patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization, and establishing device integrity verification processes. Security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the potential impact on their specific deployments, particularly considering the widespread use of HDCP in modern mobile devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in kernel-level components and the necessity of rigorous security testing for hardware abstraction layers that interface directly with sensitive system functions.