CVE-2023-25120 : What You Need to Know

This article discusses the critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25120, outlining its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-25120

CVE-2023-25120 is a high-severity vulnerability discovered in the Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5 product. It involves multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the vtysh_ubus binary, resulting from the utilization of an insecure sprintf pattern. Exploitation of this vulnerability through a specially crafted HTTP request could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, posing significant risks to affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-25120?

The CVE-2023-25120 vulnerability stems from unsafe coding practices within the Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5 software, specifically in the set_dmvpn function with the cisco_secret variable. This vulnerability allows an attacker with elevated privileges to send malicious HTTP requests, triggering buffer overflows and potentially executing unauthorized code on the targeted system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25120

The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.2 categorizes CVE-2023-25120 as a high-severity vulnerability with significant implications for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a compromised system, unauthorized access, and potential disruption of services, emphasizing the critical nature of addressing this issue promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25120

The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, indicating the specific nature of the security issue present in the Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5 product.

Vulnerability Description

The buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the vtysh_ubus binary of Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5 are attributed to the unsafe use of sprintf patterns, allowing an attacker to craft malicious HTTP requests that exploit this weakness and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability exposes the system to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-25120 vulnerability impacts the Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5 product, specifically affecting systems running this version. Organizations utilizing this specific version are at risk of exploitation and should take immediate action to mitigate the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable vtysh_ubus binary, an attacker with high privileges can exploit the buffer overflow vulnerabilities present in the set_dmvpn function. This exploit could lead to the execution of arbitrary code, compromising the security and integrity of the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-25120 promptly is crucial to safeguarding systems against potential exploitation and unauthorized access. Implementing the following mitigation strategies is vital for enhancing the security posture of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should consider implementing temporary workarounds to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-25120. Monitoring network traffic for unusual HTTP requests and restricting access to potentially vulnerable services can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enhancing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and implementing secure coding guidelines can aid in preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future. Training developers on secure coding techniques and performing code reviews can enhance the overall security posture of software applications.

Patching and Updates

Collaborating with the vendor, Milesight, to obtain and apply patches that address the buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the affected version (v32.3.0.5) is essential. Keeping software and systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and enhance the resilience of the infrastructure against potential cyber threats.