CVE-2023-26923 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published by MITRE on March 28, 2023. It pertains to a stack buffer overflow vulnerability found in Musescore versions 3.0 to 4.0.1. The vulnerability arises when reading misconfigured midi files, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2023-26923

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-26923 vulnerability in Musescore software.

What is CVE-2023-26923?

The CVE-2023-26923 vulnerability is a stack buffer overflow issue present in Musescore versions 3.0 to 4.0.1. It occurs during the processing of misconfigured midi files and could lead to the execution of arbitrary code by a malicious actor.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26923

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized code execution on affected systems. Attackers may potentially take advantage of this weakness to compromise the security of devices running the vulnerable Musescore software.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26923

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-26923 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The stack buffer overflow vulnerability in Musescore arises from improper handling of input when parsing midi files. This leads to a situation where an attacker could manipulate the input data to overwrite the buffer in memory, potentially enabling the execution of malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Musescore versions 3.0 to 4.0.1 are confirmed to be impacted by CVE-2023-26923. Users utilizing these specific versions of Musescore are at risk of exploitation if exposed to maliciously crafted midi files.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who entices a user to open a specially crafted midi file using the affected Musescore versions. By triggering the stack buffer overflow, the attacker may achieve code execution capabilities on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-26923 requires proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Musescore versions 3.0 to 4.0.1 should exercise caution when handling midi files, especially those from untrusted or unknown sources. As a precautionary measure, refrain from opening suspicious files until the necessary security patches are applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is imperative for software developers to implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews can help identify and address similar issues proactively.

Patching and Updates

Affected users are encouraged to check for updates or patches provided by Musescore to address the CVE-2023-26923 vulnerability. Applying the latest security fixes promptly can help safeguard systems against potential exploitation.