CVE-2023-42724 in SC9863A
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In gpu 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-2023-42724 resides within graphics processing unit driver components where an out-of-bounds read condition occurs due to inadequate input validation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms within the driver's memory access operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the graphics driver processes certain input parameters or data structures without verifying that array indices or memory references remain within acceptable limits, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a missing bounds check that allows malicious actors to manipulate input data in ways that cause the graphics driver to attempt reading memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in software implementations. When exploited, the out-of-bounds read can trigger memory corruption behaviors that ultimately result in system instability or complete system crashes, as the driver attempts to access invalid memory regions that may contain sensitive data or critical system information.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2023-42724 translates into a potential local denial of service condition that requires system execution privileges to exploit effectively. This means that an attacker with local access to a system running the vulnerable graphics driver could potentially cause system-wide crashes or render the graphics functionality completely non-operational. The attack vector typically involves crafting specific graphics-related inputs or commands that force the driver to access memory beyond its intended boundaries, leading to system instability and service disruption.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of privilege escalation and system compromise. The requirement for system execution privileges indicates that while local access is sufficient to trigger the vulnerability, the attacker must already possess some level of system-level access or be able to escalate their privileges to the necessary level. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the context of lateral movement and persistence tactics where attackers may seek to establish more stable access before leveraging such flaws for broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42724 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from the graphics hardware vendor, as this represents the most effective approach to resolving the underlying bounds checking deficiency. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous graphics driver behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit potential attack surfaces, while regular security assessments of graphics driver configurations should be conducted to identify any additional vulnerabilities that may compound the risk. System administrators should also consider implementing runtime protections and memory integrity checks to detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they can cause system disruption. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in system drivers, particularly those handling graphics processing where complex memory operations are common and the potential for memory corruption is significant.