Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in glibc Library

What is CVE-2023-6246?

CVE-2023-6246 is a vulnerability affecting the glibc library, which is a fundamental component of the GNU C Library utilized in various software applications and systems across many Linux distributions. This specific vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow in the __vsyslog_internal function, which may allow an attacker to cause unexpected behavior in programs relying on these functions, leading to potential application crashes or local privilege escalation. Organizations utilizing glibc version 2.36 or newer could face significant operational disruptions and security risks due to this vulnerability, particularly if their applications do not manage logging functions appropriately.

Technical Details

The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data overflows from one buffer to another in the heap memory area, potentially leading to memory corruption. It specifically arises when the openlog function is either not invoked or is called with a NULL argument for the identifier, coupled with the program name exceeding 1024 bytes in length. This could trigger a crash in the application or enable an attacker to escalate privileges locally within the system.

Impact of the Vulnerability

1. Application Crashes: The vulnerability can result in the crashing of applications that utilize the syslog or vsyslog functions improperly, leading to service interruptions and potential downtime.

2. Local Privilege Escalation: An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could achieve local privilege escalation, enabling unauthorized access to system resources and sensitive information.

3. Increased Attack Surface: With the presence of this flaw in widely used software, organizations with vulnerable versions of glibc may face heightened risks of being targeted by attackers looking to exploit the weakness for malicious purposes, potentially serving as a stepping stone for further attacks.

News Articles

SecurityWeek

CVE-2023-6246

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