CVE-2023-22816 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-22816 was assigned on January 6, 2023, by WDC PSIRT and was published on June 30, 2023. The vulnerability affects Western Digital's My Cloud OS 5 devices with versions before 5.26.300.

Understanding CVE-2023-22816

This vulnerability involves a post-authentication remote command injection in a CGI file in Western Digital My Cloud OS 5 devices, potentially allowing attackers to create files with redirects and execute larger payloads.

What is CVE-2023-22816?

This CVE points to a post-authentication remote command injection vulnerability in My Cloud OS 5 devices, making them susceptible to manipulation and potentially malicious file execution.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22816

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 6 out of 10, this vulnerability poses a moderate severity threat. The attack complexity is high, and the integrity impact is high, while the confidentiality impact is low. This flaw requires user interaction but can lead to significant availability impact if exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22816

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77, indicating improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (command injection). It allows attackers with high privileges to execute commands on affected devices remotely.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw permits the execution of commands post-authentication by exploiting a CGI file, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary commands on the vulnerable system.

Affected Systems and Versions

This vulnerability affects Western Digital My Cloud OS 5 devices with versions prior to 5.26.300.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the vulnerability in the CGI file to inject and execute malicious commands on impacted devices, posing a risk to the system's integrity and availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22816, users are advised to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly update their devices to the latest firmware version recommended by Western Digital. Regularly checking for firmware updates is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict access controls and network segregation can help reduce the attack surface and limit the impact of potential security breaches. Regular security audits and monitoring can also aid in detecting and mitigating vulnerabilities in a timely manner.

Patching and Updates

Applying security patches and updates released by the vendor is essential to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of My Cloud OS 5 devices. Users should ensure they stay informed about the latest security advisories and promptly install relevant updates.