CVE-2023-26917 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26917. The issue was registered on February 27, 2023, and published on April 11, 2023, by MITRE. The vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference in libyang versions ranging from v2.0.164 to v2.1.30, specifically through the function lysp_stmt_validate_value at lys_parse_mem.c.

Understanding CVE-2023-26917

This section delves into the particulars of CVE-2023-26917, explaining the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-26917?

CVE-2023-26917 relates to a NULL pointer dereference flaw found in the libyang library versions v2.0.164 to v2.1.30. The specific vulnerability lies within the function lysp_stmt_validate_value at lys_parse_mem.c.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26917

The impact of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to exploit the NULL pointer dereference issue, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition or the execution of arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26917

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26917, including a description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in libyang versions v2.0.164 to v2.1.30 stems from a NULL pointer dereference in the lysp_stmt_validate_value function at lys_parse_mem.c, which could be exploited by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of libyang from v2.0.164 to v2.1.30 are impacted by CVE-2023-26917. Users utilizing these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Cyber attackers may leverage the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in libyang to craft malicious inputs that could trigger the issue, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps that users and organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-26917 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update to a patched version of libyang that addresses the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability.
Employ network-level security controls to monitor and filter potentially malicious traffic targeting the vulnerable function.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices and conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities within software libraries and dependencies.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for users to stay informed about security updates released by libyang developers and promptly apply patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities like the one detailed in CVE-2023-26917. Regularly updating software components helps in maintaining a secure environment and reducing the risk of exploitation.