CVE-2023-1388 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on June 7, 2023, and relates to a heap-based overflow vulnerability in Trellix Agent prior to version 5.7.9. The vulnerability affects MacOS platforms and can allow a remote user to manipulate the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, leading to the service becoming unavailable.

Understanding CVE-2023-1388

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-1388, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-1388?

The CVE-2023-1388 refers to a heap-based overflow vulnerability in Trellix Agent (TA) versions prior to 5.7.9. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote user to modify the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, resulting in a denial of service incident where the service becomes unavailable.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1388

The impact of CVE-2023-1388 is categorized under CAPEC-100 Overflow Buffers. The vulnerability's CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3 (Medium severity) with low impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is low, and user interaction is required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1388

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-1388.

Vulnerability Description

The heap-based overflow vulnerability in Trellix Agent (TA) prior to version 5.7.9 allows a remote user to tamper with the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, leading to the service becoming unavailable.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts MacOS platforms running Trellix Agent version 5.7.8 and earlier.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, a remote user can manipulate the page heap in the macmnsvc process memory block, triggering a situation where the service becomes inaccessible.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-1388 involves taking immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implementing long-term security practices to enhance overall system resilience.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Trellix Agent to version 5.7.9 or later to patch the heap-based overflow vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activities related to heap manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation to reduce the attack surface and contain potential exploits.
Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and security audits to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Trellix for Trellix Agent and promptly apply patches to ensure the protection of your systems against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1388.