CVE-2023-42364 is a use-after-free vulnerability affecting BusyBox version 1.36.1. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) by exploiting a crafted awk pattern in the awk.c evaluate function. The nature of this vulnerability poses a risk to the availability of systems utilizing this version of BusyBox.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. The attack vector is local, requiring user interaction to trigger the vulnerability, which adds a layer of complexity to its exploitation. However, the potential impact on system availability is high, making it a significant concern for organizations.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their security measures. Failing to address it may lead to system downtime and affect service delivery.
Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild for this vulnerability, but it is crucial to remain vigilant and update systems accordingly. Immediate action is recommended to mitigate any risks associated with CVE-2023-42364.
Organizations should consider implementing security best practices, including regular updates and security assessments, to protect against vulnerabilities like this one.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-42364 states that it is a use-after-free vulnerability in BusyBox v.1.36.1. The vulnerability is described in the context of the awk.c evaluate function, where a crafted awk pattern can lead to a denial of service.
The CVSS 3.1 score for this vulnerability is 5.5, categorizing it as medium severity. The defined attack vector is local with low attack complexity, meaning exploitation can be accomplished with minimal effort. No privileges are required for an attacker, but user interaction is necessary to activate the vulnerability.
The impact on availability is classified as high, while confidentiality and integrity impacts are nonexistent. The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification associated with this vulnerability is CWE-416.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper memory management within the BusyBox codebase. Specifically, the use-after-free condition occurs when the program accesses memory that has already been released, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.
The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to have access to the system to execute the crafted awk pattern. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require special conditions or extensive resources to exploit. No privileges are necessary for exploitation, but user interaction is required, as the victim must execute the crafted command.
The vulnerability has a high availability impact but does not affect confidentiality or integrity, making it primarily a service denial issue.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential service disruptions and loss of availability. Given that this vulnerability can lead to denial of service, organizations must assess their exposure and take necessary precautions to mitigate impacts.
The blast radius of this vulnerability could affect any systems running the vulnerable version of BusyBox, particularly in environments where user interaction is common. As this vulnerability is not currently known to be actively exploited in the wild, organizations should still prioritize remediation to prevent future incidents.
Organizations should address this vulnerability as part of their priority patch cycle to maintain service integrity and security.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version of BusyBox is 1.36.1. All versions prior to vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patch for BusyBox to remediate this vulnerability. Regularly updating software and maintaining a proactive security posture can help mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-42364.
For further guidance on securing your systems, organizations may find value in reviewing our resources on penetration testing and application security assessments.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns of awk command executions or failures in BusyBox functionalities. Behavioral anomalies related to system availability should also be tracked.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-42364 highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in system maintenance and security practices. This vulnerability illustrates a common pattern in software vulnerabilities, where improper memory management can lead to critical availability issues.
Security teams should consider this vulnerability as a case study for improving code review processes and implementing rigorous testing methods to catch similar issues in the future.
For further insights into security best practices, organizations can explore our detailed articles on penetration testing methodology, vulnerability management programs, and the importance of cloud security assessments in maintaining robust security postures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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