CVE-2023-0035 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-0035 article provides insights into a specific vulnerability within the OpenHarmony communication subsystem, known as softbus_client_stub. The vulnerability allows for an "SA relay attack," enabling local attackers to bypass authentication and compromise other SAs with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-0035

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-0035, shedding light on its nature, impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-0035?

The CVE-2023-0035 vulnerability resides in the softbus_client_stub component of the communication subsystem in OpenHarmony versions 3.0.5 and earlier. It presents an authentication bypass flaw that facilitates an "SA relay attack." This attack vector allows local perpetrators to circumvent authentication mechanisms and manipulate other SAs with significant privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0035

The impact of CVE-2023-0035 is characterized by the CAPEC-233 Privilege Escalation, posing a medium severity threat. The vulnerability's CVSSv3.1 base score of 6.5 highlights the high confidentiality impact but negligible availability impact. With low attacker complexity and the need for low privileges, the exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to critical integrity breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0035

This section provides a deeper dive into the vulnerability, exploring its description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The softbus_client_stub component in OpenHarmony versions 3.0.5 and earlier is susceptible to an authentication bypass vulnerability. This flaw enables local attackers to perform an "SA relay attack," compromising the integrity of the communication subsystem.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts OpenHarmony version 3.0.5 and prior releases. Specifically, the softbus_client_stub within the communication subsystem is vulnerable to exploitation, potentially leading to unauthorized privileged access.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-0035 involves leveraging the authentication bypass vulnerability in the softbus_client_stub component. By executing an "SA relay attack," malicious actors can bypass authentication protocols and manipulate other SAs with elevated privileges, endangering the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-0035, effective mitigation and preventive measures are crucial to safeguard systems and data from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using OpenHarmony version 3.0.5 and earlier should promptly apply security patches provided by the vendor.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit unauthorized access to critical components.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activity indicative of a potential SA relay attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address weaknesses in the system.
Enhance user authentication mechanisms and authorization protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for securing communication subsystems and detecting unusual behavior.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from OpenHarmony to ensure that the latest patches addressing CVE-2023-0035 are promptly applied. Regularly updating systems and software components is essential for maintaining a secure environment and mitigating the risks associated with known vulnerabilities.