CVE-2023-41325 : What You Need to Know

This article delves into the details of CVE-2023-41325, focusing on the vulnerability found in OP-TEE's

shdr_verify_signature

function.

Understanding CVE-2023-41325

In this section, we will explore what CVE-2023-41325 entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-41325?

The vulnerability, discovered in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) OP-TEE, specifically affects versions >= 3.20 and < 3.22 of the

shdr_verify_signature

function. The issue arises from a double free operation within the function.

The Impact of CVE-2023-41325

This vulnerability poses a high severity threat, with a CVSS base score of 7.4. It can lead to high confidentiality and integrity impacts, requiring high privileges and user interaction, but with no availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-41325

This section provides a deeper insight into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs when

shdr_verify_signature

tries to verify a Trusted Application (TA) binary before loading it, leading to a double free memory error. The issue stems from the non-atomic memory allocation process for RSA keys, resulting in a subsequent free operation on already freed memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

OP-TEE's

optee_os

versions >= 3.20 and < 3.22 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users operating on these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need high privileges and local access to the affected system. Furthermore, user interaction is required to trigger the double free operation.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-41325.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is highly recommended to update the OP-TEE software to version 3.22 or later, where a patch for this vulnerability is available. This will eliminate the double free issue and enhance the security of the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Additionally, limiting user privileges and access rights can reduce the impact of potential exploits.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security updates and promptly applying patches provided by OP-TEE will ensure that the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.