CVE-2023-43544 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
Memory corruption when IPC callback handle is used after it has been released during register callback by another thread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption issue that occurs within inter-process communication systems when callback handles are improperly managed across thread boundaries. The flaw manifests when an IPC callback handle is accessed after it has been released by another thread during the registration process, creating a race condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where multiple threads interact with IPC mechanisms, particularly in scenarios involving callback registration and deregistration operations.
The technical root cause of CVE-2023-43544 stems from inadequate synchronization mechanisms and improper handle lifecycle management within the IPC subsystem. When one thread attempts to register a callback while another thread simultaneously releases the same callback handle, the system fails to properly validate the handle's validity before using it. This race condition creates a window where a freed memory reference is accessed, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent programming, and CWE-416, which covers use after free errors in memory management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant across multiple system domains including operating system kernels, network services, and application frameworks that rely on IPC mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized code execution privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where multiple threads concurrently manage IPC callbacks, making it particularly dangerous in high-performance computing environments, real-time systems, and network infrastructure components. The memory corruption can manifest as heap corruption, stack corruption, or other forms of memory instability that may result in denial of service or privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43544 should focus on implementing robust thread synchronization mechanisms and proper handle validation procedures. System administrators should ensure that all IPC callback operations are protected by appropriate locking mechanisms such as mutexes, semaphores, or other synchronization primitives to prevent concurrent access to callback handles. The implementation should include reference counting for callback handles, proper validation before handle usage, and thorough testing of concurrent IPC operations. Security patches should address the race condition by ensuring that callback handles remain valid during the registration process and that proper memory management practices are enforced throughout the IPC subsystem. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes that align with industry best practices for secure coding and concurrent programming.