CVE-2023-43552 in Snapdragon
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2024
Memory corruption while processing MBSSID beacon containing several subelement IE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2025
This vulnerability resides in wireless networking implementations where memory corruption occurs during the processing of MBSSID beacon frames containing multiple subelement information elements. The flaw manifests when wireless access points or client devices attempt to parse beacon frames that include multiple subelement IEs within the MBSSID structure, leading to potential memory corruption issues that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise wireless environments where multiple SSIDs are broadcast through a single beacon frame, as this scenario triggers the problematic code path. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the system fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. The memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution, denial of service conditions, or information disclosure depending on the specific implementation and exploitation vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the wireless protocol stack when processing the MBSSID beacon structure. When multiple subelement IEs are present in a single beacon frame, the parser fails to properly validate the cumulative size of these elements against the allocated buffer space, allowing for buffer overflows that can overwrite adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control communications through wireless protocols, where attackers could potentially leverage the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to wireless infrastructure. The vulnerability affects wireless networking equipment that implements the 802.11 standard's multiple BSSID extension, particularly those that support multiple SSIDs within a single beacon frame structure. The flaw is exacerbated by the fact that wireless devices typically process these frames automatically without extensive input validation, making the attack surface more expansive.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-43552 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential complete system compromise of wireless infrastructure. An attacker positioned within the wireless network's coverage area could craft malicious beacon frames containing specially constructed subelement IEs to trigger the memory corruption, potentially leading to persistent backdoor access or complete device compromise. The vulnerability affects enterprise wireless networks, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and any infrastructure that relies on multiple BSSID functionality, creating a significant risk for organizations that depend on wireless connectivity for critical operations. Network availability is threatened as the memory corruption can cause devices to crash or reboot, while the potential for arbitrary code execution opens avenues for attackers to establish persistent presence within the wireless network. The impact is particularly severe in environments where wireless devices are not regularly updated or patched, as the vulnerability may remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to establish footholds within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and network segmentation approaches. Organizations must prioritize applying vendor-provided security patches that address the memory corruption in beacon frame processing, particularly for wireless access points and controllers that support MBSSID functionality. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous beacon frame patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while also configuring wireless devices to disable unnecessary MBSSID features when not required. According to industry best practices for wireless security, implementing proper network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying wireless intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious beacon frame structures containing malformed subelement IEs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in wireless protocol implementations, particularly around memory management and input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding practices for wireless network security. Regular security assessments of wireless infrastructure and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues that may exist within the wireless network ecosystem.