CVE-2023-28741 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-28741 focuses on a buffer overflow vulnerability found in some Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 1.0 before version 1.10. The vulnerability may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege through local access.

Understanding CVE-2023-28741

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-28741, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28741?

CVE-2023-28741 is a buffer overflow vulnerability present in certain Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 1.0, specifically versions before 1.10. This flaw could be exploited by an authenticated user to escalate their privileges locally.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28741

The impact of CVE-2023-28741 is rated as HIGH severity according to the CVSS score of 7.9. The vulnerability could result in unauthorized users gaining elevated privileges on the affected system, leading to potential security breaches and manipulation of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28741

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28741, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in some Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 1.0 before version 1.10 allows an attacker with local access to trigger a buffer overflow, potentially leading to the escalation of privilege.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific affected product is the "Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 1.0" before version 1.10. Other versions are not impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-28741, an authenticated user with local access to the system can manipulate the buffer overflow in the Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 1.0 before version 1.10 to elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section covers the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-28741 and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows to version 1.10 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Employ strict access controls to limit the exposure of the affected systems to unauthorized users.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from Intel to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Implement security best practices such as network segmentation and least privilege access to minimize the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Intel promptly to ensure that the vulnerability is addressed and the system is secure from exploitation.

By following these mitigation strategies and best practices, users can enhance the security posture of their systems and safeguard against potential threats associated with CVE-2023-28741.