CVE-2023-52353 is a high-severity vulnerability found in Arm's Mbed TLS version 3.5.1 and earlier. The issue occurs in the function 'mbedtls_ssl_session_reset', where the maximum negotiable TLS version is mishandled. This could lead to the last negotiated TLS version, such as TLS 1.2, becoming the new maximum, which can have significant security implications.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating high severity. This score reflects the impact on integrity, as attackers may leverage the mishandling of TLS versions to perform unauthorized actions. Organizations using affected versions are at risk and should take immediate action.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability. However, the integrity impact is rated as high, making it critical for organizations to prioritize patching to mitigate potential risks. Organizations should evaluate their use of Mbed TLS and prepare for updates.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to ensure the integrity of their systems remains intact. Delaying remediation could expose systems to potential attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the maximum negotiable TLS version in the 'mbedtls_ssl_session_reset' function. Should the last connection negotiate TLS 1.2, it inadvertently sets 1.2 as the new maximum, creating a potential weakness for attackers to exploit.
The CVSS v3.1 vector for this vulnerability is 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N', categorizing it as a network vulnerability with low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. The integrity impact is classified as high, while confidentiality and availability impacts are none.
The affected product is Mbed TLS, and the vulnerability was published on January 21, 2024. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-384.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-52353 lies in the mishandling of version negotiation during the SSL session reset process. Specifically, if a connection previously negotiated TLS 1.2, it would incorrectly set this as the maximum negotiable version for subsequent connections.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit this vulnerability without requiring user interaction. The attack complexity is rated as low, meaning that successfully exploiting this vulnerability does not require extensive knowledge or resources.
No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it easier for unprivileged attackers to target vulnerable systems. There is no user interaction required, and the scope of the vulnerability remains unchanged.
The impact on integrity is significant, as successful exploitation may allow attackers to manipulate or alter data. However, there is no impact on confidentiality or availability, meaning that sensitive information remains protected and services continue to function.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of Mbed TLS in various applications increases the risk associated with this vulnerability. If exploited, attackers could leverage this flaw to alter the integrity of communications without detection, potentially leading to further exploitation of the environment.
For organizations implementing TLS, the implications of CVE-2023-52353 are critical. The ability to manipulate the maximum TLS version could result in severe integrity breaches, allowing attackers to exploit systems more effectively.
Given the high CVSS score of 7.5, organizations must assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability cannot be overstated, as failure to patch could lead to a compromised security posture.
With no public exploits currently available, defenders have a window of opportunity to implement fixes before it becomes a target for malicious actors. Organizations should schedule remediation as part of their immediate security initiatives.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Arm's Mbed TLS from version 3.5.1 and prior. Organizations using these versions should prioritize applying the available patches to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update to Mbed TLS version 3.5.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If an immediate patch is unavailable, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to vulnerable systems.
Regular security assessments, including the use of penetration testing, can help identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.
Monitoring logs for unusual SSL/TLS activity can also help detect potential exploitation attempts. Implementing configuration hardening measures will further enhance your security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2023-52353, organizations should monitor logs for anomalies related to SSL/TLS connections. This includes unexpected version negotiations or failed connection attempts that could indicate probing for this vulnerability.
Behavioral anomalies in connection patterns, such as unusual spikes in network traffic or authentication failures, should also be investigated. Employing network signatures that can identify the use of outdated TLS versions may provide additional insight.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2023-52353 lies in its potential to expose organizations to integrity breaches. As TLS remains a critical component of secure communications, vulnerabilities in its implementation, such as this one, can have far-reaching implications.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment of security controls. Organizations should adopt a proactive approach to vulnerability management, ensuring they address potential weaknesses in a timely manner.
Security teams should also leverage insights from security assessments to refine their defensive strategies. Organizations looking to enhance their security posture can benefit from application security assessments and ongoing security training.
By implementing robust security measures and fostering a culture of security awareness, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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