CVE-2023-26552 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record for CVE-2023-26552 was published by MITRE on April 11, 2023. The vulnerability is related to the

mstolfp

function in

libntp/mstolfp.c

within NTP version 4.2.8p15. It involves an out-of-bounds write issue when adding a decimal point. Although this vulnerability may allow an attacker to target a client

ntpq

process, it does not affect the

ntpd

service.

Understanding CVE-2023-26552

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-26552.

What is CVE-2023-26552?

CVE-2023-26552 is a vulnerability found in the NTP version 4.2.8p15, specifically in the

mstolfp

function within the

libntp/mstolfp.c

file. The issue involves an out-of-bounds write scenario that could potentially be exploited by an adversary to target a client's

ntpq

process.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26552

While CVE-2023-26552 poses a risk by allowing an attacker to target the

ntpq

process of a client, it does not have an impact on the

ntpd

service. Understanding the specific implications of this vulnerability is crucial for addressing and mitigating potential risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26552

Delving deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26552 can aid in understanding the vulnerability's characteristics and implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-26552 arises from an out-of-bounds write issue in the

mstolfp

function within the NTP version 4.2.8p15 codebase. This flaw could be leveraged by a malicious actor to target the

ntpq

process of a client system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impact of CVE-2023-26552 is observed in NTP version 4.2.8p15. While the specific vendor, product, and version details are not provided, the vulnerability has been identified as affecting systems running this particular version of NTP.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-26552 involves manipulating the out-of-bounds write scenario in the

mstolfp

function to target the client

ntpq

process. Understanding how this vulnerability can be exploited is crucial for implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking proactive measures to mitigate and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-26552 is essential for ensuring system security and integrity.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upon discovering CVE-2023-26552, it is advised to assess the impact on the NTP deployment and implement temporary measures to protect the client

ntpq

process from potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust security practices such as regular vulnerability assessments, secure coding standards, and timely updates can enhance the overall resilience of systems against known and emerging threats like CVE-2023-26552.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about patches or security updates released by the NTP project to address CVE-2023-26552. Applying these patches promptly can help mitigate the risk posed by the vulnerability and safeguard system operations.