Overview
The CVE-2023-33117 vulnerability is a significant safety flaw identified in certain software’s handling of the AVCS_LOAD_MODULE command. It affects multiple versions of software systems, where the HLOS (High-Level Operating System) allocates the response payload buffer to copy the data received from ADSP (Audio Digital Signal Processor). This vulnerability can lead to memory corruption, which has the potential to compromise systems and lead to data leakage. Given the critical role that this software plays across multiple industries, addressing this issue is of utmost importance.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2023-33117
Severity: High, CVSS score of 7.8
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise and data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
HLOS | All versions prior to Patch Update 3.1
ADSP | Versions 2.0 to 2.5
How the Exploit Works
When the HLOS receives the AVCS_LOAD_MODULE command, it allocates a response payload buffer to copy the data received from ADSP. However, an attacker can exploit this process by sending a manipulated payload that exceeds the allocated buffer size. This would cause an overflow of the buffer memory, leading to memory corruption.
This memory corruption can then potentially grant the attacker unauthorized access to the system memory, thereby compromising the system and potentially leading to data leakage. The attacker could also execute malicious code, further compromising the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of the system.
Conceptual Example Code
Here’s a conceptual example of how an attacker might exploit this vulnerability using a specially crafted payload:
POST /HLOS/AVCS_LOAD_MODULE HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{
"malicious_payload": "A".repeat(1000000) // this string is longer than the allocated buffer size
}In this example, the attacker sends a POST request to the HLOS with the AVCS_LOAD_MODULE command. The malicious payload is a string that is longer than the allocated buffer size, causing an overflow and subsequent memory corruption.
Mitigation
The primary mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-33117 is to apply the vendor patch. This patch addresses the buffer overflow issue by restricting the size of the incoming payload and properly handling any that exceed the buffer’s size.
For systems that cannot immediately apply the patch, a temporary mitigation strategy would be to use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS). These systems can be configured to detect and block malicious payloads that could exploit this vulnerability. However, these are merely temporary solutions and vendors are strongly advised to apply the patch as soon as possible to fully mitigate the risk.