CVE-2017-12703 : Security Advisory and Response

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Westermo MRD-305-DIN, MRD-315, MRD-355, and MRD-455 versions older than 1.7.5.0 allows attackers to deceive users into sending malicious requests.

Understanding CVE-2017-12703

This CVE identifies a CSRF vulnerability in certain versions of Westermo MRD devices, potentially enabling malicious actions.

What is CVE-2017-12703?

CVE-2017-12703 is a CSRF vulnerability found in older versions of Westermo MRD-305-DIN, MRD-315, MRD-355, and MRD-455 devices. It arises from a lack of request verification, enabling attackers to manipulate users into executing unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12703

The vulnerability allows attackers to trick users into unknowingly sending forged requests to the server, potentially leading to unauthorized operations or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12703

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The CSRF flaw in Westermo MRD devices prior to version 1.7.5.0 permits attackers to craft and submit malicious requests on behalf of authenticated users without their consent or knowledge.

Affected Systems and Versions

Westermo MRD-305-DIN versions older than 1.7.5.0
MRD-315, MRD-355, MRD-455 versions older than 1.7.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking authenticated users into clicking on specially crafted links or visiting malicious websites, leading to the execution of unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-12703 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Westermo MRD devices to version 1.7.5.0 or newer to mitigate the CSRF vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links or visiting suspicious websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement CSRF tokens and secure coding practices to prevent CSRF attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web traffic for unusual patterns that may indicate CSRF attempts.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from Westermo to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.