Azure RTOS ThreadX is an advanced real-time operating system (RTOS) designed specifically for…
CVE-2023-48693 is a critical-severity improper input validation vulnerability in threadx from Azure-rtos, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected threadx versions: < 6.3.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Azure Rtos Threadx to 6.3.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure-rtos | threadx | < 6.3.0 | Not stated |
| Microsoft | Azure Rtos Threadx | before 6.3.0 | 6.3.0 |
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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
Azure RTOS ThreadX is an advanced real-time operating system (RTOS) designed specifically for deeply embedded applications. An attacker can cause arbitrary read and write due to vulnerability in parameter checking mechanism in Azure RTOS ThreadX, which may lead to privilege escalation. The affected components include RTOS ThreadX v6.2.1 and below. The fixes have been included in ThreadX release 6.3.0. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation
The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
- Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
- Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/azure-rtos/threadx/security/advisories/GHSA-p7w6-62rq-vrf9Third Party Advisory
Recent Improper Input Validation vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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