CVE-2023-25181 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published by Talos on November 14, 2023, and it involves a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the HTTP Server functionality of Weston Embedded uC-HTTP v3.01.01. The vulnerability can be exploited by a specially crafted set of network packets, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2023-25181

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-25181, outlining its impact, technical specifics, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-25181?

CVE-2023-25181 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in the HTTP Server functionality of Weston Embedded uC-HTTP v3.01.01. With the exploitation potential for arbitrary code execution, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25181

The impact of CVE-2023-25181 is deemed critical with a base severity rating of 9 (out of 10). The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems are all at high risk due to this vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to serious consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25181

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Weston Embedded uC-HTTP v3.01.01 allows an attacker to send a malicious packet that triggers arbitrary code execution. This opens up the possibility of unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following products and versions are affected:

Vendor: Silicon Labs
Product: Gecko Platform
Version: 4.3.1.0
Vendor: Weston Embedded
Product: Cesium NET
Version: 3.07.01
Vendor: Weston Embedded
Product: uC-HTTP
Version: v3.01.01

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through a specially crafted set of network packets directed at the HTTP Server functionality. By manipulating these packets, an attacker can trigger the heap-based buffer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-25181, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching measures are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any anomalous patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.
Apply vendor patches and updates promptly to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to the affected products.
Educate employees on best cybersecurity practices to minimize the risk of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Silicon Labs, Weston Embedded, and other relevant vendors are likely to release patches addressing the vulnerability. It is crucial to apply these patches as soon as they are available to secure the systems against potential exploits.