CVE-2023-4692: Grub2: out-of-bounds write at fs/ntfs.c may lead to unsigned code execution

Published Aug 31, 2023
·
Updated

An out-of-bounds write flaw was found in grub2's NTFS filesystem driver. This issue may allow an attacker to present a specially crafted NTFS filesystem image, leading to grub's heap metadata corruption. In some circumstances, the attack may also corrupt the UEFI firmware heap metadata. As a result, arbitrary code execution and secure boot protection bypass may be achieved.

Other sources

Grub2: out-of-bounds write at fs/ntfs.c may lead to unsigned code execution

Microsoft

There is an out-of-bounds write in fs/ntfs.c, an attacker may leverage this vulnerability by presenting a specially crafted NTFS filesystem image leading to grub's heap metadata corruption. Additionally, in some circumstances, the attack may also corrupt the UEFI firmware heap metadata. As a result arbitrary code execution and secure boot protection bypass may be achieved.

Red Hat

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
ubuntu/grub2<2.12~
2.12~
ubuntu/grub2-unsigned<2.06-2ubuntu14.4
2.06-2ubuntu14.4
ubuntu/grub2-unsigned<2.06-2ubuntu14.4
2.06-2ubuntu14.4
ubuntu/grub2-unsigned<2.06-2ubuntu17.2
2.06-2ubuntu17.2
ubuntu/grub2-signed<1.187.6~20.04.1
1.187.6~20.04.1
ubuntu/grub2-signed<1.187.6
1.187.6
ubuntu/grub2-signed<1.193.2
1.193.2
debian/grub2<=2.06-3~deb10u1, <=2.06-3~deb11u5, <=2.06-13, <=2.06-13+deb13u1
2.06-3~deb10u42.06-3~deb11u62.06-13+deb12u12.12~rc1-12
GNU GRUB2
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=9.0
GNU GRUB2<2.12
Microsoft cbl2 grub2 2.06-13
Microsoft azl3 grub2 2.06-18
Microsoft azl3 grub2 2.06-23

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.12~
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2-unsigned to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.06-2ubuntu14.4
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2-unsigned to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.06-2ubuntu17.2
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2-signed to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.187.6~20.04.1
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2-signed to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.187.6
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/grub2-signed to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.193.2
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/grub2 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.06-3~deb10u4Fixed in 2.06-3~deb11u6Fixed in 2.06-13+deb12u1Fixed in 2.12~rc1-12

Event History

Aug 31, 2023
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:03 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Oct 3, 2023
CVE Published
12:00 AM
Oct 25, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:27 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:27 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Oct 27, 2023
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
SeverityAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Nov 2, 2023
Data Sourced
01:44 PM
Description

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-4692?

CVE-2023-4692 is a vulnerability in grub2 that allows an attacker to perform out-of-bounds write/read via a specially crafted NTFS filesystem.

2

How does CVE-2023-4692 work?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by presenting a specially crafted NTFS filesystem image, causing heap metadata corruption in grub and potentially the UEFI firmware heap metadata.

3

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2023-4692?

The affected software versions include grub2 2.12~ and earlier, grub2-unsigned 2.06-2ubuntu14.4, grub2-unsigned 2.06-2ubuntu17.2, grub2-signed 1.187.6~20.04.1, and grub2-signed 1.193.2.

4

How can I fix CVE-2023-4692?

To fix CVE-2023-4692, upgrade to grub2 version 2.12~ or later, grub2-unsigned version 2.06-2ubuntu14.4 or later, grub2-unsigned version 2.06-2ubuntu17.2 or later, grub2-signed version 1.187.6~20.04.1 or later, or grub2-signed version 1.193.2 or later.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2023-4692?

You can find more information about CVE-2023-4692 on the MITRE CVE website, the GNU GRUB-devel mailing list, and the Ubuntu Security Notices.

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