Cobalt: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2023-40222 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Cobalt from Ashlar-Vellum, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) as the first without the flaw, so updating Cobalt to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% 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 Cobalt to v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) or a later version.
- Update Cobalt Share to v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) or a later version.
- Update Xenon to v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) or a later version.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashlar-Vellum | Cobalt | before v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) | v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) |
| Ashlar-Vellum | Cobalt Share | before v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) | v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) |
| Ashlar-Vellum | Xenon | before v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) | v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) |
| Ashlar-Vellum | Argon | before v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) | v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) |
| Ashlar-Vellum | Lithium | before v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) | v12 SP2 Build (1204.200) |
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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (hq.dhs.gov).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.4 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | CNA (hq.dhs.gov) |
Official description
In Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt versions prior to v12 SP2 Build (1204.200), the affected application lacks proper validation of user-supplied data when parsing CO files. This could lead to a heap-based buffer overflow. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the heap.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Pre-design: Use a language or compiler that performs automatic bounds checking.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-23-299-03Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Cobalt
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
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