CVE-2023-40018 : Security Advisory and Response

FreeSWITCH allows remote users to trigger out-of-bounds write by offering an ICE candidate with unknown component ID.

Understanding CVE-2023-40018

FreeSWITCH, a Software Defined Telecom Stack, had a vulnerability prior to version 1.10.10 that allowed remote users to trigger an out-of-bounds write by offering an ICE candidate with an unknown component ID. This could lead to memory corruption and system crashes.

What is CVE-2023-40018?

FreeSWITCH, before version 1.10.10, was susceptible to a remote code execution vulnerability where an attacker could trigger an out-of-bounds write by providing an ICE candidate with an unknown component ID. This could result in memory manipulation and system instability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40018

This vulnerability could be exploited by remote attackers to compromise the integrity and availability of FreeSWITCH systems. By corrupting memory through malicious ICE candidates, an attacker could disrupt telecommunications services and potentially cause system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40018

FreeSWITCH's vulnerability lies in its handling of ICE candidates with unknown component IDs. By offering such candidates, an attacker can overwrite arrays in FreeSWITCH, leading to memory corruption and system instability.

Vulnerability Description

Prior to version 1.10.10, FreeSWITCH would perform out-of-bounds writes when processing ICE candidates with unknown component IDs. This flaw allowed attackers to manipulate memory and potentially crash the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: signalwire
Product: FreeSWITCH
Vulnerable Versions: < 1.10.10

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted ICE candidates with unknown component IDs, remote attackers could exploit this vulnerability to trigger out-of-bounds writes, corrupt memory, and disrupt the normal operation of FreeSWITCH.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-40018, users and administrators should take immediate action.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade FreeSWITCH to version 1.10.10, which contains a patch for this vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to ICE candidates with unknown component IDs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and firmware to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to minimize the attack surface.

Patching and Updates

Download and apply the latest patches and updates provided by the FreeSWITCH project to address this specific vulnerability and enhance overall system security.