Overview
The vulnerability CVE-2023-33062 is a security flaw in WLAN firmware that can result in a transient Denial of Service (DOS) when parsing a Beacon Timing Measurement (BTM) request. This vulnerability affects a wide range of devices that use WLAN firmware, including laptops, routers, and IoT devices. The severity of this vulnerability makes it a significant threat to both individual users and organizations, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2023-33062
Severity: High (CVSS Score: 7.5)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise, potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
WLAN Firmware | Versions prior to patch
How the Exploit Works
The exploit leverages a flaw in the WLAN firmware’s BTM request parser. An attacker can send a specially crafted BTM request that, when parsed by the vulnerable firmware, leads to a transient DOS condition. This DOS condition can disrupt the normal functioning of the device and, in some cases, lead to a complete system compromise or data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
Below is a conceptual example of a malicious BTM request that could exploit this vulnerability. Note that this is a simplified representation and real-world attacks would be more complex.
POST /BTM-request HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{ "malicious_BTM_request": "Crafted sequence causing DOS in WLAN firmware" }
Mitigation Guidance
To mitigate this vulnerability, vendors are advised to apply the latest patches provided by the firmware manufacturer. For temporary mitigation, users can employ a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to detect and block malicious BTM requests exploiting this vulnerability. However, these measures should be considered as only a temporary solution until the vendor patch can be applied.

