CVE-2023-21409 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on August 3, 2023, by Axis and involves the AXIS License Plate Verifier application. The vulnerability, categorized as high severity, allows unprivileged users to access unencrypted administrator credentials due to insufficient file permissions. This access could potentially lead to the unauthorized configuration of the application.

Understanding CVE-2023-21409

This section delves deeper into the details of CVE-2023-21409, shedding light on the vulnerability's impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21409?

The vulnerability in the AXIS License Plate Verifier application stems from inadequate file permissions. This flaw enables unprivileged users to obtain access to unencrypted administrator credentials, thereby compromising the security of the application.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21409

With a CVSS base score of 8.4, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected systems. The high availability, confidentiality, and integrity impact could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and manipulation of system configurations by unauthorized users.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21409

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-21409, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in AXIS License Plate Verifier arises from insufficient file permissions, allowing unprivileged users to access unencrypted administrator credentials. This access grants unauthorized individuals the ability to manipulate the application's configuration.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of AXIS License Plate Verifier 2.8.3 or earlier. Systems running these versions are at risk of unauthorized access to administrator credentials and potential misuse of the application's configuration capabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, with low attack complexity. Unprivileged users do not require special privileges to exploit the flaw, making it easier for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21409 and mitigate the associated risks, immediate steps should be taken to secure the affected systems and prevent unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the AXIS License Plate Verifier application to the latest version to patch the vulnerability and improve security.
Review and adjust file permissions to restrict access to sensitive system files and administrator credentials.
Monitor system logs and user activities to detect any unauthorized attempts to access or modify the application's configuration.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust access control mechanism to limit user privileges and prevent unauthorized configuration changes.
Regularly audit and review file permissions to ensure they align with security best practices and minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Conduct security training for system administrators and users to educate them on secure practices and the importance of protecting sensitive credentials.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Axis Communications AB for the AXIS License Plate Verifier application. Timely installation of updates is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.