CVE-2023-42751 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2023
In gnss 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 • 12/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42751 resides within the gnss service component, representing a critical out-of-bounds write flaw that arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms. This issue manifests when the service processes data without proper bounds checking, creating a scenario where memory operations exceed allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in system instability and potential privilege escalation. The gnss service typically operates with system execution privileges, making this weakness particularly dangerous as it requires minimal additional attack surface to exploit. The missing bounds check creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially disrupting service operations or enabling more sophisticated attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory management practices within the gnss service architecture. When processing incoming gnss data streams, the service fails to validate the length or size of incoming packets against predefined buffer boundaries. This oversight allows attackers to craft specially formatted data that, when processed, triggers memory corruption through buffer overflow conditions. The out-of-bounds write can overwrite critical system variables, function pointers, or stack data structures, leading to unpredictable behavior and system crashes. The attack requires only local execution privileges to exploit, making it particularly concerning for systems where the gnss service runs with elevated permissions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation may involve crafting specific data inputs to trigger the memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-42751 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, potentially enabling more severe consequences within embedded systems and critical infrastructure environments. When the gnss service experiences an out-of-bounds write, it can result in complete service termination, system instability, or even system crashes that require manual intervention or reboot cycles. In environments where gnss services are critical for navigation, timing, or positioning functions, such disruptions can have cascading effects on dependent systems and processes. The vulnerability's local execution requirement means that attackers with basic system access can leverage this weakness to cause persistent service degradation, potentially leading to extended downtime for critical applications. Organizations relying on gnss services for time synchronization, vehicle navigation, or industrial automation may face significant operational disruptions when this vulnerability is exploited. The impact is particularly severe in automotive, aviation, or industrial control systems where gnss functionality is integral to system operation and safety protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-42751 must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary remediation involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms throughout the gnss service codebase, ensuring all input data is validated against predefined size limits before memory allocation occurs. Security patches should include proper buffer size validation, input sanitization routines, and memory boundary checks that prevent any write operations beyond allocated buffer limits. Organizations should also implement runtime protections such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and heap metadata protection to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to minimize the privilege level at which the gnss service operates, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing automated code analysis tools to identify similar memory safety issues. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that bounds checking mechanisms are properly implemented and functioning as intended. System monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while incident response procedures should be updated to address potential out-of-bounds write scenarios in gnss service environments.