CVE-2023-42523 : Security Advisory and Response

A remote crash vulnerability in certain WithSecure products has been identified, impacting various security solutions. Here's what you should know about CVE-2023-42523.

Understanding CVE-2023-42523

Certain WithSecure products are vulnerable to a remote crash of a scanning engine through the unpacking of a PE file. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of WithSecure security solutions.

What is CVE-2023-42523?

CVE-2023-42523 is a security flaw in WithSecure products that allows malicious actors to remotely crash a scanning engine by unpacking a PE file. This vulnerability has been found in several WithSecure security solutions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-42523

The impact of CVE-2023-42523 is significant as it can be exploited by threat actors to disrupt the scanning engine remotely. This could potentially lead to denial of service or other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-42523

Here are the technical details of the CVE-2023-42523 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for a remote crash of the scanning engine by unpacking a PE file in certain WithSecure products.

Affected Systems and Versions

WithSecure Client Security 15, WithSecure Server Security 15, WithSecure Email and Server Security 15, WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection 17 and later, WithSecure Client Security for Mac 15, WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection for Mac 17 and later, Linux Security 64 12.0, Linux Protection 12.0, and WithSecure Atlant (formerly F-Secure Atlant) 1.0.35-1 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted PE file to the system, causing the scanning engine to crash remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-42523, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WithSecure products to the latest patched versions.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict email and file scanning policies.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from WithSecure.
Apply security patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.