CVE-2023-7158 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a critical vulnerability found in MicroPython up to version 1.21.0, with a base severity rating of HIGH and a CVSS score of 7.3.

Understanding CVE-2023-7158

This vulnerability, identified as VDB-249180, involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the function slice_indices of the file objslice.c within MicroPython. It is exploitable remotely and upgrading to version 1.22.0 can mitigate this issue.

What is CVE-2023-7158?

The vulnerability CVE-2023-7158 in MicroPython up to version 1.21.0 allows for a heap-based buffer overflow via manipulation of unknown data in the function slice_indices of the objslice.c file. This exploit can be launched remotely, posing a significant threat.

The Impact of CVE-2023-7158

Given its critical classification and high severity rating, this vulnerability has the potential to lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and system compromise if exploited. Immediate action is recommended to mitigate the associated risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-7158

The vulnerability affects versions of MicroPython up to 1.21.0 and targets the function slice_indices in the objslice.c file, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in MicroPython allows for remote attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow by manipulating unknown data, potentially leading to unauthorized access and system compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

MicroPython versions up to 1.21.0 are affected by this vulnerability, including versions 1.13.0 through 1.21.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-7158 involves manipulating data in the objslice.c file to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow remotely, allowing attackers to compromise the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-7158 and enhance security posture, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrading to version 1.22.0 of MicroPython is recommended as an immediate measure to address and mitigate the heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2023-7158).

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular software updates, code reviews, and security testing, can help prevent and identify vulnerabilities in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security advisories and applying patches promptly, as seen with the release of MicroPython version 1.22.0, is crucial to maintaining a secure software environment.