CVE-2023-1257 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An attacker with physical access to the affected Moxa UC Series devices can initiate a restart of the device and gain access to its BIOS. This can potentially allow the attacker to alter command line options, access the terminal, modify authentication files, create a new user, and ultimately gain full access to the system.

Understanding CVE-2023-1257

This section delves deeper into the specifics of CVE-2023-1257.

What is CVE-2023-1257?

CVE-2023-1257 involves an attacker gaining unauthorized access to the BIOS of Moxa UC Series devices by physically restarting the device. By manipulating command line options and authentication files, the attacker can create a new user account and achieve complete system access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1257

The impact of CVE-2023-1257 is significant, as it allows an attacker to bypass security measures and gain full control over the affected Moxa UC Series devices. This could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or disruption of critical operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1257

This section provides a detailed analysis of the technical aspects of CVE-2023-1257.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Moxa UC Series devices enables unauthorized users to restart the device and exploit the BIOS to manipulate command line options, modify authentication files, and create new user accounts without proper authorization.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Moxa UC Series devices and versions are impacted by CVE-2023-1257:

UC-8580 Series (V1.1)
UC-8540 Series (V1.0 to V1.2)
UC-8410A Series (V2.2)
UC-8200 Series (V1.0 to V2.4)
UC-8100A-ME-T Series (V1.0 to V1.1)
UC-8100 Series (V1.2)
UC-5100 Series (V1.2)
UC-3100 Series (V1.2 to V2.0)
UC-2100 Series (V1.3 to V1.5)
UC-2100-W Series (V1.3 to V1.5)

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-1257 primarily relies on physical access to the Moxa UC Series devices, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized actions that compromise the BIOS and system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2023-1257, immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Limit physical access to vulnerable Moxa UC Series devices.
Regularly monitor and audit device restart activities.
Implement strong access control measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for personnel handling sensitive equipment.
Enforce strict access control policies.
Keep systems up-to-date with the latest firmware and security patches.

Patching and Updates

Vendor patches and updates should be promptly applied to mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with CVE-2023-1257 and enhance the overall security posture of the affected devices.