CVE-2023-45841 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Buildroot Multiple Data Integrity Vulnerabilities

Understanding CVE-2023-45841

Buildroot software versions 2023.08.1 and dev commit 622698d7847 are affected by multiple data integrity vulnerabilities, allowing a specially crafted man-in-the-middle attack to lead to arbitrary command execution in the builder.

What is CVE-2023-45841?

CVE-2023-45841 highlights data integrity vulnerabilities in Buildroot versions 2023.08.1 and dev commit 622698d7847, enabling a potential attacker to execute arbitrary commands through a man-in-the-middle attack in the Buildroot builder.

The Impact of CVE-2023-45841

The impact of CVE-2023-45841 is severe, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (High severity). The vulnerability allows an attacker to compromise data integrity, leading to arbitrary command execution with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-45841

Buildroot software versions 2023.08.1 and dev commit 622698d7847 are affected by data integrity vulnerabilities, specifically related to the

versal-firmware

package.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises in the package hash checking functionality, allowing attackers to exploit the system through a man-in-the-middle attack, resulting in arbitrary command execution in the builder.

Affected Systems and Versions

Buildroot versions 2023.08.1 and dev commit 622698d7847 are affected by this vulnerability, putting systems utilizing these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through a specially crafted man-in-the-middle attack, compromising data integrity and executing arbitrary commands in the builder.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-45841 and enhance system security, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Buildroot software to a patched version immediately after release.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address potential risks in the software environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Buildroot. Ensure timely application of patches to eliminate vulnerabilities and enhance system security.