QEMU: Off-by-one Error
CVE-2022-3872 is a high-severity off-by-one error vulnerability in QEMU, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected QEMU versions: Affected: up to latest v7.1.0-rc4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.1% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of QEMU you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
An off-by-one read/write issue was found in the SDHCI device of QEMU. It occurs when reading/writing the Buffer Data Port Register in sdhci_read_dataport and sdhci_write_dataport, respectively, if data_count == block_size. A malicious guest could use this flaw to crash the QEMU process on the host, resulting in a denial of service condition.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Off-by-one Error
A product calculates or uses an incorrect maximum or minimum value that is 1 more, or 1 less, than the correct value.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When copying character arrays or using character manipulation methods, the correct size parameter must be used to account for the null terminator that needs to be added at the end of the array. Some examples of functions susceptible to this weakness in C include strcpy(), strncpy(), strcat(), strncat(), printf(), sprintf(), scanf() and sscanf().
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- lists.nongnu.org/archive/html/qemu-devel/2022-11/msg01068.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
Third-party and government advisories
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20221215-0005/Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in QEMU
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
Recent Off-by-one Error vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
Sudo Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Exploited
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