CVE-2023-0391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-0391, assigned by Rapid7, was published on March 21, 2023, revealing a vulnerability in MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel related to the shared SSL certificate issue.

Understanding CVE-2023-0391

This CVE highlights a security flaw in the MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel related to the use of a static SSL certificate for encryption, a critical aspect of securing communications to the administrative interface of the platform.

What is CVE-2023-0391?

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-0391, identified as "CWE-321 - Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key," exposes the administrative interface of CloudPanel by utilizing the same SSL certificate across all installations, making them vulnerable to interception or unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0391

The impact of this vulnerability could lead to the compromise of sensitive data transmitted through the CloudPanel's administrative interface. Attackers could potentially intercept, manipulate, or view confidential information, posing a significant threat to the security and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0391

The vulnerability description points out that MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel ships with a static SSL certificate, shared across all installations, leaving them susceptible to attacks. The issue was confirmed in version 2.2.0 without any indication that it has been resolved in version 2.2.1.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the improper use of a hard-coded cryptographic key, where the same SSL certificate is utilized for encrypting communications to the CloudPanel's administrative interface, making it a potential target for exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel version 2.2.0 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability, while the subsequent version, 2.2.1, has not shown any evidence of addressing this security concern.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by intercepting or manipulating the SSL communication, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the administrative interface and compromising the confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-0391 and prevent potential security risks associated with the shared SSL certificate vulnerability in MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel, immediate steps and long-term security practices should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators are advised to update to the latest version of MGT-COMMERCE CloudPanel if available, apply patches or security updates provided by the vendor, and consider using unique SSL certificates for each installation to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure cryptographic practices, such as using randomly generated cryptographic keys, regular security audits, and monitoring SSL certificate usage, can enhance the overall security posture of the system and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring vendor announcements for security patches and updates, promptly applying available fixes, and maintaining an up-to-date system can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to known vulnerabilities like the one identified in CVE-2023-0391.