CVE-2023-5760 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5760 involves a time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) bug in handling IOCTL (input/output control) requests within the Avast/AVG Antivirus version 23.8. The vulnerability can lead to an out-of-bounds write issue that enables attackers to achieve full local privilege escalation on the system.

Understanding CVE-2023-5760

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2023-5760 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5760?

CVE-2023-5760 is a TOCTOU bug found in the Avast/AVG Antivirus version 23.8. This bug can be exploited by attackers to manipulate IOCTL requests, resulting in unauthorized privilege escalation within the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5760

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as a CAPEC-233 Privilege Escalation scenario, indicating the severity of potential local privilege escalation attacks by threat actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5760

Understanding the vulnerability details, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms is crucial for effectively mitigating the threat.

Vulnerability Description

The TOCTOU bug in handling IOCTL requests in the Avast/AVG Antivirus version 23.8 creates an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that permits malicious actors to gain full local privilege escalation on the compromised system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific affected system noted in this CVE is the Avast/AVG Antivirus version 23.8. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation if the necessary security patches are not applied promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting the TOCTOU bug in Avast/AVG Antivirus version 23.8 involves manipulating IOCTL requests to trigger the out-of-bounds write vulnerability, ultimately leading to unauthorized privilege escalation within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-5760 requires immediate action and the implementation of long-term security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to update their Avast/AVG Antivirus software to the latest version available promptly. This step will ensure that the TOCTOU bug is patched, mitigating the risk of local privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to updating software, practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, such as regular security software updates, employing strong access controls, and conducting routine security assessments, can help enhance overall system security and resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates from software vendors and promptly applying patches to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5760 is essential for maintaining a secure computing environment. By staying proactive with software updates, users can effectively mitigate the risk of exploitation from emerging threats.