CVE-2023-37915 : What You Need to Know

OpenDDS is an open source C++ implementation of the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS). A vulnerability has been identified where OpenDDS crashes while parsing a malformed

PID_PROPERTY_LIST

in a DATA submessage during participant discovery. This vulnerability allows attackers to remotely crash OpenDDS processes by sending a DATA submessage with the malformed parameter to the known multicast port. This CVE has been mitigated in version 3.25, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest version to prevent exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2023-37915

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-37915 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-37915?

CVE-2023-37915 refers to a vulnerability in OpenDDS that allows attackers to remotely crash processes by sending a specific type of malformed message.

The Impact of CVE-2023-37915

The impact of CVE-2023-37915 is significant as it can lead to denial of service attacks on systems running vulnerable versions of OpenDDS.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-37915

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-37915.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OpenDDS arises from improper input validation when parsing a

PID_PROPERTY_LIST

parameter, leading to a crash in the participant discovery process.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenDDS versions prior to 3.25 are affected by this vulnerability. Users running versions below 3.25 are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious DATA submessage containing the malformed

PID_PROPERTY_LIST

parameter and sending it to the multicast port, triggering the crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2023-37915, immediate action is required to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to update their OpenDDS installations to version 3.25 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and secure their systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation mechanisms and stay informed about security updates and patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for software updates and security advisories from OpenDDS to stay protected against emerging threats.