CVE-2023-40569 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-40569, an Out-Of-Bounds Write vulnerability found in FreeRDP, affecting versions below 2.11.0 and 3.0.0-beta1 to 3.0.0-beta3.

Understanding CVE-2023-40569

FreeRDP, a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), contains a critical vulnerability known as an Out-Of-Bounds Write in the

progressive_decompress

function.

What is CVE-2023-40569?

The CVE-2023-40569 vulnerability in FreeRDP arises due to incorrect calculations of the

nXSrc

and

nYSrc

variables, leading to potential out-of-bounds write errors. This security flaw has the potential to be exploited by malicious actors.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40569

If exploited, CVE-2023-40569 could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system. This could result in unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40569

The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack complexity is low, requiring no user interaction. The affected versions of FreeRDP are below 2.11.0 and 3.0.0-beta1 to 3.0.0-beta3.

Vulnerability Description

The issue resides in the incorrect calculations of

nXSrc

and

nYSrc

variables within the

progressive_decompress

function, potentially leading to out-of-bounds memory write operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: FreeRDP
Product: FreeRDP
Vulnerable Versions: < 2.11.0, >= 3.0.0-beta1, < 3.0.0-beta3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious input that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially leading to code execution or service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-40569, users and administrators are strongly advised to take immediate action to mitigate risks and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FreeRDP to versions 2.11.0 or 3.0.0-beta3, where the vulnerability has been patched.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly to prevent known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Keep abreast of security advisories and update notifications from FreeRDP to stay informed about potential risks and available patches.