CVE-2023-22599 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-22599 concerns vulnerabilities found in InHand Networks' InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices prior to specific versions. The vulnerability stems from the misuse of a one-way hash with a predictable salt, allowing unauthorized users to potentially disconnect affected devices from the cloud platform and receive sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2023-22599

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-22599 vulnerability in InHand Networks' InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices.

What is CVE-2023-22599?

InHand Networks' InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices, before certain versions, are susceptible to CWE-760: Use of a One-way Hash with a Predictable Salt. The devices send MQTT credentials in response to HTTP/HTTPS cloud platform requests. These credentials are encoded using a hardcoded string into an MD5 hash, which could be easily calculated by unauthorized users spoofing requests. This could lead to temporary disconnection of devices from the cloud platform, enabling the reception of MQTT commands with potentially sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22599

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high severity with a base score of 7.0 according to CVSS:3.1 metrics. It poses a threat to confidentiality with the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack vector is through the network, and the attack complexity is considered high, requiring no privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22599

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22599, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in InHand Networks' InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices arises from the misuse of a one-way hash with a predictable salt. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to manipulate HTTP/HTTPS requests to obtain sensitive MQTT credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include InHand Networks' InRouter 302 (prior to version IR302 V3.5.56) and InRouter 615 (prior to version InRouter6XX-S-V2.3.0.r5542).

Exploitation Mechanism

By spoofing HTTP/HTTPS requests, unauthorized users can easily calculate the hardcoded string used to encode MQTT credentials, potentially leading to temporary disconnection of devices from the cloud platform and exposure to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-22599 vulnerability in InHand Networks' InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address this vulnerability, users are advised to update their InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices to the specified versions where the issue is patched.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular security assessments, network segmentation, and proper access control, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

InHand Networks should release patches for InRouter 302 and InRouter 615 devices to address the CWE-760 vulnerability. Users should prioritize applying these patches to safeguard their devices and sensitive information.