CVE-2023-43575 in Desktop BIOS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2023
A buffer overflow was reported in the UltraFunctionTable module in some Lenovo Desktop products that may allow a local attacker with elevated privileges to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43575 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the UltraFunctionTable module of certain Lenovo desktop computer systems. This flaw exists in the firmware layer of these devices, specifically affecting the implementation of a function table that manages various system operations and hardware interactions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during memory allocation and data handling within the module responsible for processing system function calls. The UltraFunctionTable module serves as a critical interface between the operating system and hardware components, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to gain deeper system control. The buffer overflow occurs when the module processes input data that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests in the way the UltraFunctionTable module handles function call parameters and system command processing, creating a scenario where an attacker with local elevated privileges can manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability requires the attacker to already possess elevated system privileges, typically through legitimate administrative access or exploitation of another vulnerability, but once achieved, the attacker can leverage this buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code with the same elevated privileges as the current user. This creates a significant escalation path within the system architecture and can potentially allow attackers to bypass security controls, modify system behavior, or establish persistent access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious threat to enterprise and organizational security infrastructure. The affected Lenovo desktop products span multiple generations and model lines, making the potential attack surface extensive across various deployment environments. Organizations relying on these systems for critical operations face risks including unauthorized code execution, system compromise, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability's requirement for local elevated privileges means that it can be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already gained administrative access through other means, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privileged accounts are compromised. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within networked environments. Security teams must consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling and incident response planning, as it can serve as a foundational weakness for more complex attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43575 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Lenovo has released firmware updates addressing this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across affected systems following vendor guidance and testing protocols. Organizations should implement privileged access management controls to minimize the risk of unauthorized elevation of privileges, utilizing techniques such as just-in-time administrative access, role-based access controls, and regular privilege audits. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which describes exploit for privilege escalation, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments including firmware vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other system components. Additionally, implementing automated patch management systems and maintaining detailed inventory of all firmware versions across the organization will help ensure comprehensive protection against this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of supply chain security and the need for regular firmware integrity verification processes to prevent unauthorized modifications to system components.