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

Severity: medium (CVSS 6.4 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.5% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: yes
Published: 2023-01-19 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-120

Description

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.

Affected products

tpm2-software tpm2-tss: before 3.2.2; from 4.0.0 before 4.1.0 — fixed in 3.2.2, 4.1.0

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: tpm2-software tpm2-tss 3.2.2, 4.1.0. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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