CVE-2023-0215 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-0215, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-0215

CVE-2023-0215 is a vulnerability that involves a use-after-free scenario following the use of the public API function BIO_new_NDEF in OpenSSL.

What is CVE-2023-0215?

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of the BIO chain when the function BIO_new_NDEF is used under certain conditions, leading to a use-after-free scenario. This can result in a crash, especially if the caller proceeds to call BIO_pop() on the BIO.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0215

The vulnerability affects versions of OpenSSL where the function BIO_new_NDEF is used, potentially leading to a crash due to the use-after-free scenario. Applications using OpenSSL for SMIME, CMS, and PKCS7 streaming capabilities are at risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0215

The vulnerability stems from the use of the public API function BIO_new_NDEF in OpenSSL, which may not properly clean up the BIO chain under certain conditions, resulting in a use-after-free scenario.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs when certain conditions cause the new filter BIO created by BIO_new_NDEF to be freed without proper cleanup, leading to internal pointers pointing to previously freed memory. This can result in a crash if BIO_pop() is subsequently called on the BIO.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenSSL versions less than 3.0.8, 1.1.1t, and 1.0.2zg are affected by this vulnerability when utilizing the BIO_new_NDEF function.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by triggering the use-after-free scenario through specific conditions that lead to improper cleanup of the BIO chain, causing a crash in the affected applications.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0215, immediate steps should be taken, followed by the implementation of long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Developers and users should be cautious when utilizing the affected OpenSSL versions and functions, ensuring proper input validation and error handling to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security assessments, and stay informed about security updates and best practices to mitigate potential risks effectively.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply the recommended patches provided by OpenSSL for versions 3.0.8, 1.1.1t, and 1.0.2zg to address the vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of the affected systems and applications.