CVE-2023-23846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on February 1, 2023, by SNPS. It involves a vulnerability in the Open5GS GTP library that can lead to denial of service and excessive resource consumption.

Understanding CVE-2023-23846

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-23846, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23846?

The vulnerability in the Open5GS GTP library, affecting versions prior to 2.4.13 and 2.5.7, occurs due to insufficient length validation when parsing extension headers in GPRS tunneling protocol (GTPv1-U) messages. An extension header length set to zero triggers an infinite loop, causing the affected process to become unresponsive.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23846

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in denial of service as the affected process becomes unresponsive, leading to excessive resource consumption. This can disrupt normal operations and impact system availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23846

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-23846 is crucial in comprehending its implications and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Open5GS GTP library arises from the lack of proper length validation in handling extension headers in GTPv1-U messages, allowing for an infinite loop that halts the affected process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Open5GS GTP library versions prior to 2.4.13 and 2.5.7 are affected by this vulnerability. Specifically, versions <= 2.4.12 and <= 2.5.6 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a protocol payload with an extension header length set to zero in GPRS tunneling protocol messages, attackers can trigger the infinite loop in the parsing mechanism, causing denial of service and resource exhaustion.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-23846 effectively, organizations and users must take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update their Open5GS GTP library to versions 2.4.13 or 2.5.7 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and patch software to address vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses in network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Open5GS to ensure timely patching of known vulnerabilities.
Regularly review and update security configurations to enhance overall system resilience against potential threats.