CVE-2023-42728 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In phasecheckserver, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. 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-2023-42728 resides within the phasecheckserver component and represents a classic out-of-bounds read flaw that stems from inadequate input validation. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues and is classified as CWE-129 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The flaw manifests when the software fails to perform proper bounds checking on data structures or arrays before accessing memory locations, creating opportunities for unauthorized memory access patterns that can compromise system stability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the phasecheckserver processes incoming data without verifying that array indices or memory access patterns remain within acceptable limits. This missing bounds check allows an attacker to potentially manipulate input data in such a way that the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges to exploit, meaning that any local user with access to the system can potentially trigger the condition that leads to denial of service. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, as it can be leveraged to disrupt system operations without requiring additional access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can potentially lead to system instability and application crashes that may affect broader system functionality. When an out-of-bounds read occurs, the application may attempt to access memory that belongs to other processes or system components, potentially causing segmentation faults or memory corruption. This can result in the phasecheckserver terminating unexpectedly, which may have cascading effects on dependent services or system operations that rely on this component. The local nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not need to have network access or specialized privileges to cause disruption, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access is common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42728 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms throughout the phasecheckserver codebase. The most effective approach involves adding proper input validation routines that verify all array indices and memory access patterns before execution. This includes implementing defensive programming practices such as using safe string handling functions, employing bounds checking libraries, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns that may exist elsewhere in the application. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly to address the underlying vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released remediation measures to correct the missing bounds check implementation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of memory safety practices in software development and highlights the need for comprehensive testing procedures that include fuzzing and memory validation techniques to identify similar issues before they can be exploited in production environments.