CVE-2023-23631 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in github.com/ipfs/go-unixfsnode that can lead to panics and virtual memory leaks due to uncontrolled resource consumption. This CVE has a CVSS base score of 5.9, indicating a medium severity level.

Understanding CVE-2023-23631

This vulnerability, assigned the ID CVE-2023-23631, affects the go-unixfsnode product by ipfs. It is related to HAMT decoding panics in github.com/ipfs/go-unixfsnode, specifically occurring in versions prior to 1.5.2.

What is CVE-2023-23631?

The CVE-2023-23631 vulnerability in go-unixfsnode arises when attempting to read malformed HAMT sharded directories. This action can trigger panics and result in virtual memory leaks. The issue is caused by a faulty fanout parameter in the HAMT directory nodes. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing untrusted input to trigger panics, making it crucial for users to upgrade to a secure version.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23631

The impact of CVE-2023-23631 can lead to system panics and memory leaks, potentially resulting in service disruptions and unauthorized access to sensitive information. As a medium-severity vulnerability, it poses a significant risk to the security and stability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23631

The vulnerability description highlights the risks associated with reading malformed HAMT sharded directories, leading to panics and memory leaks. The affected systems include versions of go-unixfsnode prior to 1.5.2.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from uncontrolled resource consumption during the decoding of HAMT sharded directories, resulting in system panics and memory leaks. Attackers can exploit this flaw by providing malicious input to trigger panics and potentially disrupt system operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

The go-unixfsnode product by ipfs is affected by CVE-2023-23631 in versions prior to 1.5.2. Users using these versions are at risk of encountering panics and memory leaks when dealing with malformed HAMT directories.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-23631 involves providing malformed HAMT sharded directories as input, capable of triggering panics and causing virtual memory leaks. This can be utilized by threat actors to disrupt system operations and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-23631 and mitigate its impact, immediate steps should be taken by users of the affected versions of go-unixfsnode. Upgrading to a secure version is essential to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability and ensure system stability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade their go-unixfsnode installation to version 1.5.2 or higher to mitigate the risks associated with the CVE-2023-23631 vulnerability. By updating to a secure version, users can prevent system panics, memory leaks, and unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and staying informed about security updates for third-party dependencies are essential long-term security measures to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates released by ipfs for go-unixfsnode is crucial to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23631. By staying up-to-date with the latest security fixes, users can proactively enhance the security posture of their systems and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.