CVE-2023-45853
CVE-2023-45853
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
MiniZip in zlib through 1.3 has an integer overflow and resultant heap-based buffer overflow in zipOpenNewFileInZip4_64 via a long filename, comment, or extra field. NOTE: MiniZip is not a supported part of the zlib product. NOTE: pyminizip through 0.2.6 is also vulnerable because it bundles an affected zlib version, and exposes the applicable MiniZip code through its compress API.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2023-45853
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2023-45853 CVSS Score: 9.8
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates that this vulnerability is critical. The high score is due to the potential for remote code execution, which can lead to significant impacts such as data breaches, system compromise, and loss of service availability.
Vulnerability Assessment:
The vulnerability is an integer overflow leading to a heap-based buffer overflow in the zipOpenNewFileInZip4_64 function within MiniZip, a component of zlib through version 1.3. This issue arises when handling long filenames, comments, or extra fields. The overflow can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS).
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Malicious ZIP Files: An attacker can craft a specially designed ZIP file with long filenames, comments, or extra fields to trigger the integer overflow.
- Supply Chain Attacks: If an application or library bundles an affected version of zlib or MiniZip, it can be exploited through the supply chain.
Exploitation Methods:
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): By exploiting the buffer overflow, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the target system.
- Denial of Service (DoS): The buffer overflow can cause the application to crash, leading to a DoS condition.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- zlib: Versions through 1.3
- pyminizip: Versions through 0.2.6
Note: MiniZip is not a supported part of the zlib product, but it is bundled with zlib and used in various applications.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Patching: Upgrade to a patched version of zlib or MiniZip. Ensure that all applications and libraries that bundle zlib or MiniZip are also updated.
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation to sanitize filenames, comments, and extra fields in ZIP files.
- Memory Protection: Enable memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Dependency Management: Use dependency management tools to track and update third-party libraries and components.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Impact:
- Widespread Use: zlib and MiniZip are widely used in various applications and libraries, increasing the potential impact of this vulnerability.
- Supply Chain Risks: The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with supply chain attacks, where a vulnerability in a third-party component can affect multiple downstream applications.
- Exploitation Potential: The high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability make it an attractive target for attackers, potentially leading to widespread exploitation.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- Integer Overflow: The vulnerability occurs due to an integer overflow in the
zipOpenNewFileInZip4_64function when processing long filenames, comments, or extra fields. - Heap-Based Buffer Overflow: The integer overflow leads to a heap-based buffer overflow, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory and potentially execute arbitrary code.
Detection and Response:
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to monitor for suspicious ZIP file activities and anomalous behavior.
- Incident Response: Develop an incident response plan to quickly identify and mitigate any exploitation attempts.
- Logging and Monitoring: Implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect and respond to any unusual activities related to ZIP file processing.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and comprehensively, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-45853 and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.