CWE
693
Advisory Published
Updated

CVE-2023-4039: GCC's-fstack-protector fails to guard dynamically-sized local variables on AArch64

First published: Wed Sep 13 2023(Updated: )

**DISPUTED**A failure in the -fstack-protector feature in GCC-based toolchains that target AArch64 allows an attacker to exploit an existing buffer overflow in dynamically-sized local variables in your application without this being detected. This stack-protector failure only applies to C99-style dynamically-sized local variables or those created using alloca(). The stack-protector operates as intended for statically-sized local variables. The default behavior when the stack-protector detects an overflow is to terminate your application, resulting in controlled loss of availability. An attacker who can exploit a buffer overflow without triggering the stack-protector might be able to change program flow control to cause an uncontrolled loss of availability or to go further and affect confidentiality or integrity. NOTE: The GCC project argues that this is a missed hardening bug and not a vulnerability by itself.

Credit: arm-security@arm.com arm-security@arm.com

Affected SoftwareAffected VersionHow to fix
GNU GCC<2023-09-12
<2023-09-12

Remedy

Recompile vulnerable code using an updated toolchain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is CVE-2023-4039?

    CVE-2023-4039 is a vulnerability that affects GCC-based toolchains targeting AArch64, allowing an attacker to exploit buffer overflows in dynamically-sized local variables.

  • What does the -fstack-protector feature in GCC-based toolchains do?

    The -fstack-protector feature in GCC-based toolchains provides protection against stack buffer overflows by adding canaries, or integrity checks, to the stack.

  • What is the impact of CVE-2023-4039?

    The impact of CVE-2023-4039 is that an attacker can exploit buffer overflows in dynamically-sized local variables without detection.

  • How can I protect my application from CVE-2023-4039?

    To protect your application from CVE-2023-4039, make sure to update your GCC-based toolchain to a version that includes the fix for this vulnerability.

  • Where can I find more information about CVE-2023-4039?

    You can find more information about CVE-2023-4039 on the Arm Security Center website and the GitHub Advisory database.

Contact

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