CVE-2023-45838 in Buildroot
Summary
by MITRE • 12/05/2023
Multiple data integrity vulnerabilities exist in the package hash checking functionality of Buildroot 2023.08.1 and Buildroot dev commit 622698d7847. A specially crafted man-in-the-middle attack can lead to arbitrary command execution in the builder.This vulnerability is related to the `aufs` package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45838 represents a critical data integrity flaw within the Buildroot build system's package hash checking mechanisms. This issue affects specific versions including Buildroot 2023.08.1 and the development commit 622698d7847, where the integrity verification process fails to properly validate package hashes during the build process. The flaw specifically impacts the `aufs` package handling functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the build environment through carefully crafted man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic validation of package integrity checks that should prevent unauthorized modifications to build artifacts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the hash verification algorithm used by Buildroot's package management system. When the builder downloads packages from remote sources, the system should verify cryptographic hashes to ensure package integrity, but this verification mechanism contains a flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious packages with modified content while maintaining valid hash values. The `aufs` package component is particularly susceptible because it relies on specific hash validation patterns that can be manipulated through the man-in-the-middle attack vector. This weakness enables attackers to bypass security controls designed to prevent unauthorized code execution during the build process, creating a persistent threat that can compromise the entire build infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-45838 extends beyond simple data corruption, as it enables full arbitrary command execution capabilities within the builder environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code into the build process, potentially compromising not only the target system but also any downstream systems that rely on the compromised build artifacts. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of Buildroot-based systems, as it undermines the trust model that ensures build reproducibility and security. Organizations using affected Buildroot versions face significant risks including supply chain attacks, where malicious actors can compromise the integrity of the entire software development pipeline. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-347, which addresses improper verification of cryptographic signatures, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1553.002 related to subvert trust controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate deployment of updated Buildroot versions that address the hash verification flaws in the package management system. Organizations should implement additional network-level security controls including mandatory certificate pinning, secure DNS resolution, and network segmentation to limit attack surface exposure. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to Buildroot versions that contain fixed hash checking implementations and implementing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized package modifications. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their build environments to identify any compromised artifacts and establish robust incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper cryptographic verification processes in software supply chain management systems.