CVE-2023-23551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Control By Web X-600M devices that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to code injection. The vulnerability was reported by Floris Hendriks and Jeroen Wijenbergh of Radboud University to Control By Web.

Understanding CVE-2023-23551

Control By Web X-600M devices are susceptible to code injection, potentially enabling threat actors to remotely execute unauthorized code.

What is CVE-2023-23551?

The CVE-2023-23551 vulnerability pertains to Control By Web X-600M devices running Lua scripts, making them vulnerable to code injection. This flaw could be exploited by malicious entities to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23551

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1, this vulnerability has a critical severity level. It poses a high risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected devices. The attack complexity is low, but the privileges required for exploitation are high, and there is no user interaction needed.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23551

This section provides a deeper insight into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of code generation, specifically code injection (CWE-94), in Control By Web X-600M devices. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject and execute malicious code remotely.

Affected Systems and Versions

Control By Web X-600M devices with firmware versions less than 1.16.00 are impacted by this vulnerability. Devices with custom version types are particularly susceptible.

Exploitation Mechanism

The attack vector for CVE-2023-23551 is through a network, and the scope of impact is changed. The vulnerability has a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it critical.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-23551 and implement long-term security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Control By Web has released a fix for the vulnerability. Users are advised to apply the updates for the affected products, specifically for X-600M devices. Updating the firmware to version 1.16.00 or later is recommended to address this issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the security posture of Control By Web X-600M devices, it is essential to follow best practices such as regular security audits, employing intrusion detection/prevention systems, and ensuring timely patch management.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates and security advisories from Control By Web to stay informed about the latest patches and updates. Promptly applying patches is crucial to safeguard against potential cyber threats.