CVE-2023-42729 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In ril service, there is a possible out of bounds write 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-2023-42729 resides within the ril service component, which typically handles radio interface layer communications in mobile device systems. This service operates at a critical low-level interface between the hardware radio components and the operating system, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability manifests as a potential out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the service fails to perform adequate bounds checking on data inputs. This flaw specifically affects the ril service's handling of incoming data packets or commands that it processes for radio communication management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write conditions as a critical class of software flaws. The missing bounds check indicates that the service does not validate the size or range of data before writing to memory locations, potentially allowing malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to arbitrary code execution when an attacker can control the data being written beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The ril service operates with system execution privileges, meaning that successful exploitation could enable an attacker to gain elevated access to the device's core communication functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for local denial of service attacks that could completely disrupt cellular connectivity on affected devices. The requirement for system execution privileges to exploit this vulnerability means that the attack vector is likely limited to scenarios where an attacker already has some level of system access or can escalate privileges through other means. However, the potential for local privilege escalation remains a serious concern as it could enable attackers to gain full control over the device's communication capabilities, potentially allowing for surveillance, data interception, or complete device compromise. The ril service's role in managing cellular connections makes this vulnerability particularly impactful for mobile device security and network integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42729 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the ril service codebase, ensuring that all input data is validated before memory operations occur. The recommended approach includes applying input sanitization routines that verify data size limits and range constraints before any write operations are performed. System administrators should prioritize patching affected ril service implementations as soon as vendor releases are available, particularly for devices that operate in security-sensitive environments. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns in ril service behavior or memory access violations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter suggests that any exploitation attempt may involve automated scripts or command execution patterns that should be monitored for in security event logs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.