CVE-2023-37117
📋 TL;DR
A heap-use-after-free vulnerability in live555 media server allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by sending specially crafted SETUP requests. This affects systems running live555 media streaming server version 2023.05.10 and potentially earlier versions. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication.
💻 Affected Systems
- live555 Media Server
📦 What is this software?
Live555 by Live555
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Denial of service causing media streaming service disruption and potential system crashes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and exploit prevention controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Heap-use-after-free vulnerabilities typically require some exploit development but are often weaponized once details become public.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 2023.05.10 (check latest release)
Vendor Advisory: http://lists.live555.com/pipermail/live-devel/2023-June/022331.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest live555 source from http://www.live555.com/liveMedia/ 2. Compile and install according to platform instructions 3. Restart all live555 services
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
linuxRestrict access to live555 services to trusted networks only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 554 -s trusted_network -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 554 -j DROP
Disable Vulnerable Service
linuxTemporarily disable live555 services until patched
systemctl stop live555
systemctl disable live555
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit exposure
- Deploy intrusion prevention systems with CVE-2023-37117 signatures
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check live555 version: grep 'LIVE555_VERSION' in source or check running service versionCheck Version:
./live555ProxyServer -h 2>&1 | grep version || check source code for LIVE555_VERSIONVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is newer than 2023.05.10 and test SETUP request handling📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed SETUP requests
- Abnormal memory usage patterns
- Service crashes or restarts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual volume of RTSP SETUP requests
- Traffic from unexpected sources to port 554/8554
SIEM Query:
source="live555.log" AND ("SETUP" OR "crash" OR "segfault")