CVE-2023-31130 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-31130, a vulnerability in the c-ares library's ares_inet_net_pton() function leading to buffer underflow.

Understanding CVE-2023-31130

CVE-2023-31130 is a vulnerability in the c-ares library's ares_inet_net_pton() function that allows for a buffer underflow, affecting versions prior to 1.19.1.

What is CVE-2023-31130?

c-ares is an asynchronous resolver library where the ares_inet_net_pton() function is prone to buffer underflow for certain IPv6 addresses, such as "0::00:00:00/2", leading to security issues. While the function is used internally for configuration, external use can pose severe risks. The vulnerability has been addressed in version 1.19.1.

The Impact of CVE-2023-31130

The vulnerability in ares_inet_net_pton() could be exploited by an attacker to trigger a buffer underflow, potentially leading to unauthorized access, denial of service, or other security risks. The CVSS base score is 4.1, reflecting a medium severity level.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-31130

The following technical aspects of CVE-2023-31130 are crucial to understanding the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

c-ares' ares_inet_net_pton() function suffers from a buffer underflow vulnerability when processing certain IPv6 addresses, allowing attackers to exploit the issue for malicious purposes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts c-ares versions older than 1.19.1, exposing systems that utilize ares_inet_net_pton() with specific IPv6 inputs to security risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the buffer underflow in ares_inet_net_pton() by providing crafted IPv6 addresses, potentially leading to unauthorized access or denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate the CVE-2023-31130 vulnerability is essential to ensuring the security of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update to c-ares version 1.19.1 or newer to prevent exploitation of the buffer underflow issue in ares_inet_net_pton(). Additionally, restrict external use of the vulnerable function to minimize risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating software libraries and dependencies, conducting security assessments, and implementing secure coding practices can reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and releases from c-ares to promptly apply patches and updates that address known vulnerabilities, ensuring the ongoing security of systems.