CVE-2022-28966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Wasm3 0.5.0 has a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. This CVE, assigned by MITRE, poses a serious threat to systems using the affected version.

Understanding CVE-2022-28966

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2022-28966 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-28966?

CVE-2022-28966 is a heap-based buffer overflow in NewCodePage in

m3_code.c

(called indirectly from

Compile_BranchTable

in

m3_compile.c

) in Wasm3 version 0.5.0. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to potentially execute malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28966

The CVE-2022-28966 vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, leading to a complete compromise of the affected system. This could result in unauthorized access, data theft, and further exploitation of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28966

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The heap-based buffer overflow occurs in NewCodePage function within

m3_code.c

, indirectly called from

Compile_BranchTable

function in

m3_compile.c

. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to potential code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wasm3 version 0.5.0 is confirmed to be affected by CVE-2022-28966. Systems running this version are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate security measures are implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific inputs to trigger the buffer overflow, enabling them to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-28966 and protect systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update Wasm3 to a non-vulnerable version, apply patches, or implement relevant security configurations to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, network-level protections can help detect and prevent attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about security updates and patches can strengthen the overall security posture of systems and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Developers and system administrators should proactively monitor security advisories, apply security patches promptly, and perform regular vulnerability assessments to address and remediate vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-28966.