CVE-2023-22917 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-22917 vulnerability affects Zyxel networking devices, specifically the ATP series firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32, USG FLEX series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.32, USG FLEX 50(W) firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32, USG20(W)-VPN firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32, and VPN series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.35. The vulnerability could potentially allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to cause a core dump with a request error message on a vulnerable device by uploading a crafted configuration file.

Understanding CVE-2023-22917

This section will dive deeper into the nature and impact of the CVE-2023-22917 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-22917?

The CVE-2023-22917 vulnerability is a buffer overflow issue found in the "sdwan_iface_ipc" binary of various Zyxel networking device firmware versions. It belongs to the CWE-120 category, which is associated with buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22917

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a base score of 7.5 according to CVSS version 3.1 metrics. The availability of the affected systems is at risk, as a successful exploit could lead to a core dump with a request error message on the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22917

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22917 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a buffer overflow in the "sdwan_iface_ipc" binary, allowing remote attackers to trigger a core dump by uploading a specially crafted configuration file.

Affected Systems and Versions

ATP series firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32
USG FLEX series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.32
USG FLEX 50(W) firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32
USG20(W)-VPN firmware versions 5.10 through 5.32
VPN series firmware versions 5.00 through 5.35

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-22917 involves uploading a malicious configuration file to trigger the buffer overflow in the affected networking devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-22917 vulnerability, immediate steps should be taken to secure the affected Zyxel devices and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches or updates provided by Zyxel to fix the buffer overflow vulnerability.
Implement strong network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software on networking devices to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate any potential security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and releases from Zyxel to apply patches promptly and ensure the continued security of the affected networking devices.