CVE-2023-2481 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In this CVE-2023-2481 article, we will be discussing the key points related to the vulnerability identified in Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK.

Understanding CVE-2023-2481

CVE-2023-2481 involves the Compiler's removal of buffer clearing in the function

sli_se_opaque_import_key

within the Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK version 4.2.1 and earlier. This results in key material duplication to RAM.

What is CVE-2023-2481?

The CVE-2023-2481 vulnerability arises due to the improper handling of buffer clearing in the specified function within the Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK. This oversight leads to the duplication of key material in the device's memory, posing a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2481

The impact of CVE-2023-2481 is considered medium, with a base CVSS score of 5.3. The vulnerability has a high confidentiality impact as it allows key material duplication to RAM. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive information stored in the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2481

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK version 4.2.1 and earlier stems from the Compiler's omission of buffer clearing in the

sli_se_opaque_import_key

function. This oversight facilitates the duplication of key material to RAM, compromising data security.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK versions up to 4.2.1, excluding version 4.2.2. Systems utilizing the impacted SDK versions are at risk of key material duplication to RAM.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2481 requires network access and low privileges. Attackers can leverage the vulnerability to duplicate key material to the device's RAM without requiring user interaction, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-2481 is crucial in safeguarding systems against potential exploitation and data breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions to mitigate the vulnerability include updating the Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK to version 4.2.2 or implementing security patches provided by the vendor. Additionally, restricting network access to vulnerable systems can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize secure coding practices and conduct regular security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their software components. Implementing code review processes and ensuring proper buffer handling can enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring vendor advisories and applying security patches promptly is essential to mitigate known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2481. Keeping software and SDKs up to date with the latest security fixes is crucial in maintaining a secure development environment and protecting sensitive data.