CVE-2023-42684 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In gsp driver, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local denial of service with System execution privileges needed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42684 resides within the graphics subsystem driver component, specifically affecting the gsp driver implementation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the driver fails to properly validate input data boundaries before processing. The missing bounds check creates an exploitable scenario where malicious input can cause the driver to access memory locations beyond its allocated buffer space, potentially leading to system instability and service disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and CWE-131, which addresses incorrect calculation of buffer size. The gsp driver's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms means that when processing graphics-related data streams, the system does not verify that array indices remain within acceptable limits. This oversight allows an attacker with local system execution privileges to craft malicious input that triggers the out-of-bounds memory access, potentially causing the driver to crash or behave unpredictably.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk for systems relying on graphics processing capabilities, particularly those running embedded systems or real-time applications where driver stability is paramount. The local denial of service condition means that an attacker who already possesses system execution privileges can leverage this flaw to disrupt graphics services, potentially affecting user interface functionality, application performance, or system responsiveness. The requirement for system execution privileges to exploit this vulnerability indicates that it is not directly accessible to remote attackers but represents a serious escalation risk for compromised systems.
The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive system information through memory corruption or provide a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation risk means that an attacker who has already gained system-level access can use this flaw to further compromise system integrity and potentially escalate privileges to higher system levels. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in environments where multiple users or processes share system resources, as it could enable unauthorized access to protected system components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the gsp driver codebase, ensuring that all array access operations include validation of index values against allocated buffer sizes. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches or updates that address the specific bounds checking deficiencies in the graphics driver implementation. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and input validation controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments of graphics subsystem components to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other driver modules. The remediation process should also include thorough testing to ensure that the bounds checking implementation does not introduce performance degradation or compatibility issues with existing graphics applications.