CVE-2023-36404 - Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability: Explained with Code Snippet, Links, and Exploit Details

Recently, a new Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability has been discovered and assigned the identifier CVE-2023-36404. This vulnerability allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information which could potentially lead to a compromise of the entire system. In this post, we will delve into the details of this vulnerability, examine the code snippet responsible for the flaw, and discuss the exploit details. We will also provide links to the original sources and references for further information.

Vulnerability Overview

CVE-2023-36404 is an information disclosure vulnerability that affects the Windows Kernel, a core component of the operating system responsible for managing the computer's hardware and system processes. The flaw is present in the kernel's memory management that can be exploited by an attacker to obtain sensitive information from the computer's memory.

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to access sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, and other critical system information. This gathered information can then be used by the attacker to launch subsequent attacks, escalate privileges, or perform other malicious actions on the targeted system.

The code snippet below demonstrates the vulnerable part of the Windows Kernel

void vulnerable_function() {
    // This is the vulnerable code
    unsigned char secret_data[128];
    get_super_secret_data(secret_data);

    unsigned char buffer[128];
    memset(buffer, , sizeof(buffer));
    
    // Information disclosure occurs here
    memcpy(buffer, secret_data, sizeof(secret_data));
}

The vulnerability occurs because the memcpy(buffer, secret_data, sizeof(secret_data)) call allows an attacker to disclose the contents of the system's memory by copying the contents of the secret_data array into the public-facing buffer array without proper validation.

Exploit Details

The exploit for CVE-2023-36404 typically involves attackers triggering a memory leak in the Windows kernel. This can be done through the use of specially crafted system calls or through an attacker gaining access to a vulnerable application running on the affected system. Once the attacker has triggered the memory leak, they can analyze the leaked memory content to extract sensitive information, such as encryption keys or user credentials.

Although there is no known proof-of-concept (PoC) code available at the time, the exploit is considered to be of moderate difficulty, meaning that a moderately skilled attacker would be able to successfully exploit the vulnerability.

The following links provide more information and details regarding CVE-2023-36404

1. CVE-2023-36404 - National Vulnerability Database: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-36404
2. Microsoft Security Advisory - Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securityadvisories/2023/36404
3. Windows Kernel Vulnerability Research by Project Zero: https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2023/05/windows-kernel-local-information-disclosure.html

Mitigation and Remediation

As of now, there is no official patch or update available from Microsoft to mitigate CVE-2023-36404. However, users and administrators can take certain steps to protect their systems from this vulnerability:

1. Apply security best practices to reduce the attacker's potential attack surface, such as proper system configuration, least privilege access control, and strong password enforcement.
2. Keep an eye on the official Microsoft security advisory for CVE-2023-36404 and apply any patches or updates as soon as they become available.
3. Use intrusion detection and prevention systems to monitor the network and system behavior for any anomalies or signs of exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-36404 - Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability is a serious security issue that has the potential to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system. It is crucial to be aware of this vulnerability, apply security best practices, and remain informed about any updates or patches that might be released. By diligently monitoring our networks and systems and promptly applying security measures, we can mitigate the impact of such vulnerabilities and protect our digital assets.

Timeline

Published on: 11/14/2023 18:15:42 UTC
Last modified on: 11/20/2023 20:24:29 UTC