CVE-2023-52303 in Paddle
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2024
Nullptr in paddle.put_along_axis in PaddlePaddle before 2.6.0. This flaw can cause a runtime crash and a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52303 resides within the PaddlePaddle deep learning framework, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.6.0. This issue manifests in the paddle.put_along_axis function which is utilized for placing values along specified axes of arrays. The flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference condition that occurs when the function processes certain input parameters without proper validation of array references. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in machine learning environments where frameworks process large volumes of data and execute complex computational graphs. The null pointer dereference vulnerability (cwe-476) allows an attacker to manipulate input data in a way that causes the application to access memory locations that are not properly initialized, leading to unexpected termination of the process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and null reference validation within the put_along_axis function. When developers pass arrays with null or improperly initialized references to this function, the underlying code fails to validate these inputs before attempting to dereference them. This condition creates a scenario where the program attempts to access memory addresses that are null or undefined, resulting in segmentation faults and subsequent application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through user-provided data inputs that are processed within the machine learning pipeline, making it exploitable in environments where external data sources are integrated.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-52303 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass broader denial of service conditions that can severely disrupt machine learning workflows. In production environments where PaddlePaddle serves as a core component of AI applications, this vulnerability can cause complete service interruption when malicious or malformed inputs trigger the null pointer dereference. The denial of service aspect (cwe-400) affects not only individual processes but potentially entire model serving platforms that depend on the framework's stability. Organizations utilizing PaddlePaddle for critical AI workloads face significant operational risks including data processing interruptions, model deployment failures, and potential loss of service availability for end users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52303 primarily focus on upgrading to PaddlePaddle version 2.6.0 or later where the null pointer validation has been implemented. System administrators should prioritize patching affected installations, particularly in environments where user inputs are processed through the framework. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation layers that sanitize array references before they reach the vulnerable function, deploying runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns, and establishing robust error handling procedures that can gracefully manage memory access violations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to potentially malicious inputs. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the vulnerability has been fully resolved without introducing regressions in functionality. Security teams should monitor for similar patterns in other framework functions that may exhibit comparable null pointer dereference behaviors, as this represents a broader class of vulnerabilities that require comprehensive code review processes.