CVE-2023-26964 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-26964 was published on April 11, 2023, by MITRE. The vulnerability affects hyper v0.13.7, specifically in h2-0.2.4, where stream stacking occurs due to the processing of HTTP2 RST_STREAM frames by the H2 component. This issue can result in high memory and CPU usage, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-26964

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-26964, outlining its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-26964?

CVE-2023-26964 is a vulnerability found in the hyper v0.13.7 software, affecting the h2-0.2.4 component. It involves stream stacking when processing HTTP2 RST_STREAM frames, which can result in excessive memory and CPU consumption, potentially enabling a Denial of Service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26964

The impact of CVE-2023-26964 is significant as it can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) situation by causing high memory and CPU utilization. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services or applications relying on the affected components.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26964

Understanding the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-26964 vulnerability is crucial for addressing and mitigating its potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in hyper v0.13.7's h2-0.2.4 component allows for stream stacking during the processing of HTTP2 RST_STREAM frames. This activity results in increased memory and CPU usage, creating a potential avenue for a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts hyper v0.13.7 with the h2-0.2.4 component. Users utilizing this version of the software may be vulnerable to the stream stacking issue and subsequent DoS risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending malicious HTTP2 RST_STREAM frames to the vulnerable h2-0.2.4 component in hyper v0.13.7, threat actors can trigger the stream stacking behavior, leading to heightened memory and CPU consumption, which can be exploited for a DoS attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-26964 involves immediate steps to mitigate risks and adopting long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply relevant patches or updates provided by the software vendor to address the CVE-2023-26964 vulnerability promptly. Additionally, monitoring system resources for unusual spikes in memory and CPU usage can help in detecting potential DoS activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security updates, conducting vulnerability assessments, and ensuring secure coding practices can bolster the overall security posture of organizations against potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-26964. Educating personnel on identifying and reporting security issues is also essential for robust cybersecurity defenses.

Patching and Updates

Users should seek out and apply patches or updates released by the software vendor to resolve the CVE-2023-26964 vulnerability effectively. Timely patching is crucial in mitigating risks and safeguarding systems from exploitation attempts leveraging this vulnerability.