CVE-2023-52552 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2024
Input verification vulnerability in the power module. Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability will affect availability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52552 represents a critical input verification flaw within the power module of affected systems, classified under the weakness type CWE-20 Input Verification. This vulnerability resides in the fundamental data validation mechanisms that govern how the power module processes external inputs, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to disrupt system operations. The power module typically handles critical functions including power supply management, energy distribution, and system power states, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system availability. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of input parameters that control power-related operations, allowing attackers to inject malformed or unexpected data that can cause the module to behave unpredictably. This weakness directly impacts the integrity of power management functions and can lead to cascading failures within the broader system architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker provides crafted input to the power module that bypasses normal validation checks. The insufficient input verification allows malicious payloads to be processed without proper sanitization, potentially causing the power module to enter erroneous states or execute unintended operations. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability manifests as a disruption to the power module's operational capabilities, resulting in availability impact as defined in the vulnerability assessment. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted commands or data sequences that exploit the lack of proper input validation, potentially leading to denial of service conditions where power management functions become unavailable or fail entirely. The vulnerability may also enable attackers to manipulate power states, cause system shutdowns, or create unstable power conditions that can affect overall system reliability and operation.
From an operational standpoint, the availability impact of CVE-2023-52552 poses significant risks to system stability and business continuity. When the power module becomes compromised due to this vulnerability, it can result in complete loss of power management functionality, forcing systems into emergency states or causing unexpected shutdowns. The operational consequences extend beyond immediate power failures to include potential data loss, system corruption, and extended downtime that can severely impact mission-critical operations. Organizations relying on systems with vulnerable power modules face risks of extended service interruptions, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety hazards in environments where power stability is crucial. The vulnerability can also create opportunities for attackers to escalate their control within the system, as compromised power management functions may provide access to other interconnected systems or components that depend on stable power delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-52552 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the power module and establishing comprehensive monitoring protocols. Organizations must ensure that all input parameters received by the power module undergo rigorous validation using whitelisting techniques, length restrictions, and proper data type checking. The implementation of defensive programming practices including input sanitization, error handling, and boundary checking can significantly reduce the attack surface for this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential input validation gaps, while system administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous power module behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Updates and patches should be applied promptly when available, and organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to power management functions. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques targeting privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers may attempt to leverage this vulnerability to gain deeper system access or maintain persistent control over power management operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for power module interfaces can further reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage from successful attacks.