CVE-2023-42731 in T606
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In Gnss service, 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 • 12/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42731 resides within the Global Navigation Satellite System service component of a software system, representing a critical out-of-bounds read condition that stems from insufficient input validation. This flaw manifests when the system processes data from GNSS receivers without properly verifying array boundaries or buffer limits, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the service through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability requires system-level execution privileges to be effectively exploited, indicating that it operates at a privileged level within the operating system architecture where GNSS services typically function.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a missing bounds check during data processing operations within the GNSS service module, which falls under the category of CWE-129 Input Validation and Output Encoding. When the service attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer space, it triggers an out-of-bounds read condition that can cause the service to crash or become unresponsive. This type of flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in memory management practices and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Network Denial of Service, though it specifically targets local system resources rather than external network connections. The absence of proper bounds checking creates a predictable pattern where malicious input can force the service to access invalid memory addresses, leading to system instability and potential privilege escalation opportunities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely heavily on GNSS services for critical operations such as time synchronization, location-based services, or navigation systems. The local denial of service condition means that legitimate users or processes depending on the GNSS service may experience complete service interruption, potentially affecting mission-critical applications in sectors like transportation, telecommunications, or industrial automation. The requirement for system execution privileges to exploit the vulnerability suggests that attackers must already have elevated access to the system, but once achieved, the impact can be severe as it allows for complete disruption of the GNSS service functionality. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as service disruption can be used to mask other malicious activities or create opportunities for privilege escalation within the system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42731 should focus on implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms throughout the GNSS service codebase, particularly in data processing functions that handle incoming satellite signals or positioning data. System administrators should apply security patches immediately upon availability, as this vulnerability represents a clear risk to system stability and availability. Additional protective measures include implementing runtime monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, establishing strict input validation protocols for all GNSS data streams, and considering privilege separation techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The solution should also incorporate defensive programming practices such as using safe string handling functions and implementing memory protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent unauthorized memory access attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their GNSS service implementations to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish monitoring protocols that can detect potential exploitation attempts before they cause service disruption.