CVE-2023-22921 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-22921 is related to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Zyxel NBG-418N v2 firmware versions prior to V1.00(AARP.14)C0. This vulnerability could potentially allow a remote authenticated attacker with administrator privileges to store malicious scripts using a web management interface parameter, leading to denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2023-22921

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-22921, covering what the vulnerability entails and its impact.

What is CVE-2023-22921?

CVE-2023-22921 is an XSS vulnerability discovered in the Zyxel NBG-418N v2 firmware versions before V1.00(AARP.14)C0. This vulnerability could be exploited by a remote authenticated attacker with administrator privileges to inject malicious scripts through a web management interface parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22921

The impact of CVE-2023-22921 is significant as it could lead to denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on the affected Zyxel NBG-418N v2 devices. Attackers with the necessary privileges could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt the normal operation of the device, impacting its availability significantly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22921

In this section, we will explore the technical specifics of CVE-2023-22921, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question is categorized as CVE-2023-22921 and is associated with improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically falling under CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting). This flaw allows attackers to execute malicious scripts through a web management interface parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Zyxel NBG-418N v2 firmware versions before V1.00(AARP.14)C0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation by remote authenticated attackers with administrator privileges.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-22921, attackers need to have remote authenticated access with administrator rights to the affected Zyxel NBG-418N v2 device. By injecting malicious scripts through a web management interface parameter, attackers can trigger denial-of-service (DoS) conditions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Safeguarding against CVE-2023-22921 requires immediate action and long-term security practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that the Zyxel NBG-418N v2 firmware is updated to version V1.00(AARP.14)C0 or higher to address the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on the device that could indicate a potential exploitation attempt.
Restrict access to the web management interface to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the firmware of networking devices to patch known vulnerabilities and enhance security measures.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any weaknesses in the network infrastructure.
Educate users and administrative staff about cybersecurity best practices to prevent successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Zyxel has likely released a security advisory addressing the CVE-2023-22921 vulnerability. It is crucial for users of the affected devices to check for and apply the latest firmware updates provided by Zyxel to resolve the XSS vulnerability and enhance the security posture of their network infrastructure.