Full Report
The PS5 has a vulnerable version of WebKit to a use after free (UAF) bug in the IPv6 stack. The Github repo is an implementation of the exploit to gain a read/write primitive. The PS5 has an interesting binary protection called eXecute Only Memory (XOM). This allows for the code to execute, but never be read out while in the kernel. This stifles ROP because we don't know the gadgets to execute. We simply don't know where we are jumping at! Besides XOM, the PS5 kernel has fine grained CFI, SMAP/SMEP and the hypervisor prevents patching the kernel as well. The PS5 is a masterpiece of defense in depth protections to make the life of exploiters much harder. The actual details of the exploit in the Github are not very thorough. At a high level... a UAF is triggered to overlap a ip6_rthdr object. This object can then be used get an info leak. From there, a fake pktopts option is used in order to gain an arbitrary read/write primitive. Of course, some clean up is required for this. Overall, interesting to read out the complexity of the PS5 kernel!
Analysis Summary
# Vulnerability: PS5 WebKit UAF Leading to Kernel R/W Primitive via IPv6 Stack
## CVE Details
- CVE ID: Not explicitly provided in the context.
- CVSS Score: Not explicitly provided in the context.
- CWE: Use After Free (CWE-416) is implied.
## Affected Systems
- Products: Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) running vulnerable versions of WebKit.
- Versions: Firmware versions up to and including **4.51 FW**.
- Configurations: Exploitation occurs via manipulation of the IPv6 stack, likely requiring browser access (WebKit).
## Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from a **Use After Free (UAF)** bug within the **WebKit component's IPv6 stack**. The core technique involves:
1. Triggering the UAF to achieve an overlap between an `ip6_rthdr` object with a controlled object (spray).
2. Utilizing this overlap to obtain an **information leak**.
3. Subsequently using a **fake `pktopts` option** to escalate privileges by gaining an **arbitrary read/write primitive** in kernel space.
The exploit must overcome significant kernel defenses on the PS5, including **eXecute Only Memory (XOM)** (preventing gadget discovery for ROP), fine-grained **CFI**, **SMAP/SMEP**, and hypervisor-level kernel patching prevention.
## Exploitation
- Status: **PoC available** (The described process details the stages of a functional exploit implementation available on GitHub).
- Complexity: **High**. Overcoming multiple layers of defense (XOM, CFI, etc.) necessitates significant skill and research.
- Attack Vector: Likely **Network** or **Adjacent** given the reliance on the IPv6 stack, initiated through a browser context (WebKit).
## Impact
- Confidentiality: High (Arbitrary kernel read grants access to sensitive kernel memory/secrets).
- Integrity: High (Arbitrary kernel write allows for arbitrary code execution in kernel space, as evidenced by patching `ucreds` for `uid0` and loading ELF payloads).
- Availability: High (Kernel crash/panic observed during testing).
## Remediation
### Patches
- Specific patch details are not provided, but installation of **firmware updates released after 4.51 FW** is required to address the underlying WebKit/IPv6 vulnerability. (Reference release **v1.03** on Feb 15, 2023, which likely corresponds to patching these issues).
### Workarounds
- No specific vendor-provided workarounds are detailed in the context. Limiting browsing or utilizing sandboxed web environments (if possible) might reduce risk until patching.
## Detection
- Indicators of Compromise (IoCs): Kernel panics often manifest with **awful audio output** due to audio buffer corruption, even persisting across a reboot in some cases.
- Detection methods and tools: Standard kernel logging and system integrity checks following any suspected crash. Specific signature-based detection for the IPv6 packet manipulation described is unlikely without deep platform integration.
## References
- Vendor advisories: Not specified.
- Relevant links - defanged: `hXXps://github.com/Cryptogenic/PS5-IPV6-Kernel-Exploit`