CVE-2023-52103 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2024
Buffer overflow vulnerability in the FLP module. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause out-of-bounds read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The buffer overflow vulnerability in the FLP module represents a critical security flaw that could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability through out-of-bounds read operations. This vulnerability resides within the FLP module which typically handles file processing or data flow operations, making it a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise system integrity. The flaw manifests when the module fails to properly validate input data lengths before processing, allowing an attacker to provide oversized data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The out-of-bounds read aspect suggests that the FLP module's memory management routines do not adequately validate array indices or data lengths before accessing memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution through controlled memory corruption. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple memory corruption since it can potentially allow attackers to read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, including stack canaries, return addresses, or other critical system information.
From an operational standpoint, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or denial of service conditions. The FLP module's role in processing file data makes it particularly attractive to attackers since it can be triggered through various input vectors including malformed files, network packets, or user-supplied data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges in most cases, making it especially dangerous for systems where the FLP module operates with elevated permissions. Network-based attacks are particularly concerning since the vulnerability can be triggered remotely without requiring user interaction, potentially enabling automated exploitation across multiple systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the FLP module. The most effective immediate solution involves applying vendor patches or updates that correct the buffer overflow condition through proper memory management practices. Organizations should also implement defensive programming techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap metadata protection to make exploitation more difficult. Regular security audits of the FLP module and related components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to memory management patterns and input handling routines. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow makes it susceptible to various exploitation techniques including return-oriented programming and data injection attacks, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.