CVE-2023-48358 in SC7731E
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2024
In drm driver, 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 • 02/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48358 resides within the digital rights management driver component of operating systems, specifically exposing a critical out-of-bounds write condition that stems from inadequate input validation. This flaw represents a classic example of improper bounds checking, where the drm driver fails to verify array access limits before writing data, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, where it can be triggered through legitimate system operations involving drm functionality. The missing bounds check implies that the driver does not validate the size or range of data being written to memory buffers, allowing for potential memory corruption that could be exploited to gain unauthorized system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the drm driver's handling of graphics-related data structures, where it processes commands and data from user-space applications without proper validation of buffer boundaries. This creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated memory boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses the failure to validate array indices before accessing array elements. When an attacker successfully exploits this condition, they can potentially cause the kernel to write data beyond the intended memory allocation, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability requires local execution privileges to be exploited, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the system with user-level permissions, but the successful exploitation can escalate privileges to system level, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-48358 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the out-of-bounds write condition can potentially be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution within kernel space. This represents a significant threat to system integrity and availability, as the exploitation can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize drm drivers for graphics processing, which includes virtually all modern operating systems with graphical user interfaces and graphics acceleration capabilities. From an attack perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The impact on system security is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists within critical kernel components, making it difficult to detect and remediate without comprehensive system updates. Organizations running systems with drm drivers are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate graphics processing operations, making detection challenging for security monitoring systems that may not flag normal-looking graphics operations as malicious.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48358 primarily focus on applying vendor-provided patches and updates that address the missing bounds checking in the drm driver implementation. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running graphics-intensive applications or serving multiple users. The remediation process involves updating the drm driver components to include proper bounds validation mechanisms that prevent array access violations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous graphics processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, though the legitimate nature of graphics operations makes detection challenging. Additionally, implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection can provide additional defense-in-depth. Organizations should also consider restricting user privileges on systems with graphics capabilities to limit potential exploitation scope, as the vulnerability requires local execution privileges to be initially exploited. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in kernel space components, where even seemingly minor oversights can lead to severe security consequences.