Gecko Platform: Compiler Removal of Code to Clear Buffers
CVE-2023-32098 is a high-severity compiler removal of code to clear buffers vulnerability in Gecko Platform from Silabs.com, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 4.2.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Gecko Platform to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.53% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Gecko Platform to 4.2.2 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silabs.com | Gecko Platform | before 4.2.2 | 4.2.2 |
| Silabs | Gecko Software Development Kit | 4.2.1 and earlier | Not stated |
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
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.3 | Medium | CNA (silabs.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Compiler removal of buffer clearing in sli_se_sign_message in Silicon Labs Gecko Platform SDK v4.2.1 and earlier results in key material duplication to RAM.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Compiler Removal of Code to Clear Buffers
Sensitive memory is cleared according to the source code, but compiler optimizations leave the memory untouched when it is not read from again, aka dead store removal.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Store the sensitive data in a volatile memory location if available.
- If possible, configure the compiler so that it does not remove dead stores.
- Where possible, encrypt sensitive data that are used by a software system.
More Compiler Removal of Code to Clear Buffers vulnerabilities (CWE-14)
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
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Gecko Platform
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Compiler Removal of Code to Clear Buffers vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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