CVE-2023-37459 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of CVE-2023-37459 highlighting the vulnerability, impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2023-37459

An analysis of the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Contiki-NG versions 4.9 and earlier.

What is CVE-2023-37459?

The CVE-2023-37459 vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read when processing a received IPv6 packet in Contiki-NG versions 4.9 and prior. The issue arises due to how the network stack handles TCP packets with the SYN flag set, leading to potential security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-37459

This vulnerability, with a CVSS base score of 5.3, poses a medium risk as it allows an attacker to trigger an out-of-bound read from the packet buffer. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information or further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-37459

Insight into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Contiki-NG attempts to start the periodic TCP timer without verifying a full TCP header in certain scenarios. This behavior enables an attacker to exploit the network stack and execute an out-of-bound read by injecting a truncated TCP packet.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Contiki-NG versions up to and including 4.9. Users operating on these versions are at risk of exploitation until a patched version becomes available.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting a truncated TCP packet with the SYN flag set, an attacker can trigger an out-of-bounds read operation, potentially extracting sensitive data from the packet buffer.

Mitigation and Prevention

Guidelines on the necessary steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-37459 vulnerability and enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

As a temporary workaround, users can apply the changes outlined in Contiki-NG pull request #2510 to patch the system until an official fix is released. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for any suspicious activity that may indicate an exploitation attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, it is recommended to keep systems updated with the latest patches and security enhancements. Regular security audits and network monitoring can help detect and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to keep a close eye on Contiki-NG's security advisories and official updates for the availability of a patched version to address CVE-2023-37459.