CVE-2023-2977 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides insight into CVE-2023-2977, covering details about the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-2977

In CVE-2023-2977, a vulnerability was discovered in OpenSC, leading to a buffer overrun vulnerability in the pkcs15 cardos_have_verifyrc_package function. Attackers can exploit this flaw by supplying a smart card package with malformed ASN1 context, potentially resulting in a heap-based buffer out-of-bounds read.

What is CVE-2023-2977?

CVE-2023-2977 is a security flaw in OpenSC that arises due to incorrect ASN1 buffer scanning, resulting in a possible heap-based buffer overflow read. This vulnerability can be particularly severe when AddressSanitizer (ASAN) is enabled during compilation, potentially leading to crashes and additional damage.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2977

The exploitation of CVE-2023-2977 could allow malicious actors to potentially trigger a heap-based buffer overflow read, leading to information disclosure or further system compromise. The significance of this impact highlights the need for prompt remediation efforts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2977

The technical aspects of CVE-2023-2977 include a vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OpenSC (CVE-2023-2977) stems from a buffer overrun vulnerability in the pkcs15 cardos_have_verifyrc_package function, caused by malformed ASN1 context supplied in a smart card package. The incorrect calculation of the remaining length in the ASN1 buffer leads to a heap-based buffer out-of-bounds read.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system for CVE-2023-2977 is OpenSC version opensc-0.23.0, where the vulnerability manifests as a buffer overrun issue within the pkcs15 cardos_have_verifyrc_package function.

Exploitation Mechanism

By providing a smart card package with manipulated ASN1 context, attackers can exploit the vulnerability, causing the pkcs15 cardos_have_verifyrc_package function to incorrectly parse the buffer length and potentially lead to a heap-based buffer overflow read.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-2977 effectively, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and the importance of applying patches and updates are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations and individuals should consider implementing security measures such as disabling vulnerable features, monitoring for unusual activity, and applying temporary workarounds as advised by security experts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, conducting regular security assessments, maintaining up-to-date software, and educating users on safe computing practices are essential long-term strategies to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Vendors often release security patches to mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2977. It is imperative to promptly apply these patches, update affected systems to secure versions, and stay informed about future security advisories to safeguard against potential exploits.