CVE-2023-22439 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on December 18, 2023, by Gallagher. The vulnerability affects the Controller 6000 and Controller 7000 products by Gallagher. It involves improper input validation in the diagnostic web interface, potentially leading to a Denial of Service attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-22439

This section provides insights into the nature of CVE-2023-22439 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-22439?

CVE-2023-22439 is a vulnerability in the Controller 6000 and Controller 7000 devices by Gallagher. It arises due to inadequate input validation in a specific HTTP request within the diagnostic web interface. Exploiting this vulnerability can result in a Denial of Service attack on the diagnostic web interface.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22439

The impact of CVE-2023-22439 is considered low in terms of availability. However, it poses a risk of disrupting the diagnostic web interface functionality, potentially affecting the overall system performance.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22439

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22439, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper input validation of a large HTTP request in the Controller 6000 and Controller 7000 diagnostic web interface (Port 80), leading to a potential Denial of Service attack. Versions prior to vCR8.90.231204a, vCR8.80.231204a, vCR8.70.231204a, and vCR8.60.231116a are affected.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include Gallagher Controller 6000 and Controller 7000 versions 8.90, 8.80, 8.70, and 8.60, along with all versions of 8.50 and prior.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through improper input validation of a large HTTP request in the diagnostic web interface (Port 80) of the affected Gallagher devices. An attacker can potentially utilize this weakness to disrupt the functionality of the diagnostic web interface.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we explore the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-22439.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should consider applying patches provided by Gallagher to address the vulnerability promptly.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized HTTP requests that could lead to a Denial of Service.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the firmware of Gallagher Controller 6000 and Controller 7000 devices to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the diagnostic web interface.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for affected users to update their systems to the latest versions provided by Gallagher to eliminate the vulnerability related to CVE-2023-22439. Regularly checking for security advisories and applying patches promptly is essential to enhance the security posture of the systems.