CVE-2023-1586 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-1586 information was published on April 19, 2023, by NLOK. The vulnerability affects Avast and AVG Antivirus versions prior to 22.11 on Windows platforms.

Understanding CVE-2023-1586

This section sheds light on what CVE-2023-1586 is and its impact, along with technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-1586?

CVE-2023-1586 is a Time-of-check/Time-of-use (TOCTOU) vulnerability found in Avast and AVG Antivirus for Windows. This flaw in the restore process could allow malicious actors to create arbitrary files. The issue was addressed in version 22.11 of both antivirus programs.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1586

The vulnerability's base severity is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.5. It has a high impact on confidentiality and integrity, requiring low privileges for exploitation. The attack complexity is deemed high, but the availability impact is low with no user interaction needed.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1586

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-1586, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a Time-of-check/Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition (CWE-367) in the restore process of Avast and AVG Antivirus for Windows, enabling arbitrary file creation by attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Avast and AVG Antivirus versions up to 22.10 on Windows platforms are susceptible to this TOCTOU vulnerability. Users with versions older than 22.11 are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors could leverage the TOCTOU vulnerability in the restore process to manipulate file creation, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-1586 and prevent potential exploitation through immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Avast and AVG Antivirus to version 22.11 or newer to patch the TOCTOU vulnerability and prevent arbitrary file creation by attackers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date antivirus software, conducting regular security audits, and implementing robust access controls can bolster system security and mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Avast and AVG vendors and promptly apply patches to ensure the protection of your systems against known vulnerabilities, including TOCTOU issues like CVE-2023-1586.