CVE-2023-42721 in SC9863A
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In flv extractor, there is a possible missing verification incorrect input. This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges needed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42721 affects the flv extractor component within a software system, representing a critical security flaw that could be exploited to disrupt service availability. This issue resides in the input validation mechanisms of the flv extractor module, where inadequate verification processes fail to properly validate incoming data streams. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes flv format media files, which are commonly used for video content delivery in web applications and streaming platforms. The absence of proper input sanitization creates a pathway for malicious actors to craft specially formatted flv files that can trigger unexpected behavior in the processing pipeline. This flaw particularly concerns systems that automatically process or extract metadata from flv files without adequate protective measures against malformed input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a missing validation check within the flv extractor's parsing logic. When the system encounters an flv file with irregular or unexpected data structures, the extractor fails to properly validate the input before proceeding with processing operations. This lack of verification creates a condition where the parser may encounter unexpected data patterns that cause it to enter an invalid state or consume excessive computational resources. The vulnerability operates at the input handling layer, where the extractor should validate the format, size, and structure of flv files before attempting to parse their contents. Without proper bounds checking, type validation, or structural integrity verification, the system becomes susceptible to inputs that can cause parsing failures or resource exhaustion. This flaw aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how inadequate data sanitization can lead to system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42721 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can effectively render systems unusable for legitimate users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading or transmitting specially crafted flv files that trigger the extractor to consume excessive memory or CPU resources, leading to system crashes or complete service unavailability. The attack requires no elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed by any user with access to the system's input mechanisms. In environments where flv files are processed automatically, such as content management systems, streaming platforms, or media processing pipelines, this vulnerability can be leveraged to create sustained disruption. The local nature of the denial of service means that the attack can be executed from within the same system or network segment, potentially allowing for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42721 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the flv extractor module. System administrators should ensure that all incoming flv files undergo strict format validation before processing, including verification of file headers, size constraints, and structural integrity. Implementing proper bounds checking and resource limits for processing operations can help prevent resource exhaustion attacks. The solution should include defensive programming techniques such as input length limits, type checking, and proper error handling mechanisms. Additionally, regular updates and patches should be applied to ensure that the flv extractor component receives the latest security improvements. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting systems to detect unusual processing patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of these mitigations aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and should be integrated into the overall security architecture to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system.