CVE-2023-21414 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-21414 was published on October 16, 2023, by Axis, affecting AXIS OS versions 10.11 - 11.5 and earlier versions. The vulnerability was discovered by NCC Group during an internal penetration test ordered by Axis Communications.

Understanding CVE-2023-21414

This CVE highlights a flaw in the protection for device tampering, specifically Secure Boot, found in Axis Communication products. This flaw could potentially allow for a sophisticated attack to bypass the protection provided by Secure Boot.

What is CVE-2023-21414?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-21414 is related to a flaw in the Secure Boot protection mechanism in Axis Communication products. This flaw could be exploited by a sophisticated attacker to bypass the Secure Boot protection, potentially leading to unauthorized access or tampering.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21414

With a CVSS base score of 7.1, this vulnerability has a high severity level, impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The attack complexity is high, and the attack vector is physical, making it crucial for organizations to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21414

This section provides more insight into the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Secure Boot protection in Axis Communication products allows for a potential bypass, enabling attackers to evade the intended security measures.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects AXIS OS versions 10.11 - 11.5 and earlier versions across various Axis Communication products, including AXIS A8207-VE Mk II and AXIS Q3527-LVE.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with physical access to the vulnerable systems can exploit this flaw to bypass Secure Boot protection, opening the door to unauthorized access or malicious activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21414, it is crucial for organizations to take immediate steps to secure their systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply the patched AXIS OS versions provided by Axis Communications to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict access controls and monitoring to detect any unauthorized access or tampering attempts.
Regularly update security protocols and conduct vulnerability assessments to stay ahead of potential threats.

Long-Term Security Practices

Invest in security training for employees to enhance awareness of potential security risks and best practices.
Implement a robust security policy that includes regular security updates, access controls, and incident response plans.

Patching and Updates

Axis Communications has released patched AXIS OS versions to address the vulnerability. It is essential for organizations to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems and prevent potential exploitation. Regularly monitor for security updates from Axis Communications and apply them as soon as they are available.