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CVE Record

CVE-2023-22745: Buffer Overlow in TSS2_RC_Decode in tpm2-tss

tpm2-tss is an open source software implementation of the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2 Software Stack (TSS2). In versions prior to 4.1.0-rc0, 4.0.1, and 3.2.2-rc1, `Tss2_RC_SetHandler` and `Tss2_RC_Decode` both index into `layer_handler` with an 8 bit layer number, but the array only has `TPM2_ERROR_TSS2_RC_LAYER_COUNT` entries, so trying to add a handler for higher-numbered layers or decode a response code with such a layer number reads/writes past the end of the buffer. This Buffer overrun, could result in arbitrary code execution. An example attack would be a MiTM bus attack that returns 0xFFFFFFFF for the RC. Given the common use case of TPM modules an attacker must have local access to the target machine with local system privileges which allows access to the TPM system. Usually TPM access requires administrative privilege. Versions 4.1.0-rc0, 4.0.1, and 3.2.2-rc1 fix the issue.

MediumCVSS 6.4Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2023-22745 is a memory-safety flaw in tpm2-tss, software used to interact with TPM 2.0 security hardware. A privileged local attacker could potentially trigger memory corruption that may lead to arbitrary code execution. The practical risk is reduced by required local/admin-level access and high attack complexity.

Executive priority

Prioritize remediation during normal security patch cycles, faster on shared systems or sensitive hosts using TPM-backed security workflows. The issue is serious if reachable, but high privileges and local access requirements make broad emergency action less justified from the supplied evidence.

Technical view

Tss2_RC_SetHandler and Tss2_RC_Decode index the layer_handler array using an 8-bit layer value, while the array has fewer valid entries. Out-of-range layer values can cause out-of-bounds read or write. The advisory states this buffer overrun could result in arbitrary code execution.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to environments using affected tpm2-tss versions prior to the fixed releases: 4.1.0-rc0, 4.0.1, and 3.2.2-rc1. Systems where untrusted users can gain privileged local access to TPM-related interfaces are the main concern.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not indicate active exploitation, and KEV status is false. The advisory describes a possible local scenario requiring access to the target machine and local system privileges, usually administrative privilege, which materially narrows the attack population.

Researcher notes

Focus validation on version mapping and downstream backports. The interesting primitive is out-of-bounds access via layer-number handling in response-code decoding and handler registration. Do not assume remote reachability or public exploitation from the supplied sources.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade tpm2-tss to 4.0.1, 4.1.0-rc0, 3.2.2-rc1, or later fixed builds.
  • Apply distribution or vendor package updates that backport the tpm2-tss fix.
  • Restrict administrative and TPM interface access to trusted local users only.
  • Review vendor guidance for branch-specific fixed versions and supported upgrade paths.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory installed tpm2-tss versions across endpoints, servers, and images.
  • Compare discovered versions against fixed releases named in the advisory.
  • Confirm vendor packages include the referenced upstream fixes or equivalent backports.
  • Review local privilege boundaries for accounts allowed to access TPM functionality.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
6

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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cwe · low confidence lookup

CWE-120: Exact CWE lookup

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2023-22745 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Medium
CVSS
6.4 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
6.4CVSS 3.1MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H0.55.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

6.4Medium
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2023-22745Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
tpm2-softwaretpm2-tss< 4.0.1, < 3.2.2-rc0Listed
Weakness

CWE details

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.

CWE-120 · source CWE mapping

Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')

Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.