CVE-2023-23773 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-23773, which was published by NCSC-NL on August 29, 2023. The vulnerability affects Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio devices, potentially allowing an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code, extract secret key material, and implant persistent malicious code due to a lack of cryptographic signature validation for firmware update packages.

Understanding CVE-2023-23773

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-23773, including the vulnerability's description, impact, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

What is CVE-2023-23773?

The CVE-2023-23773 vulnerability involves the failure of Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio devices to authenticate firmware updates properly. This oversight could be exploited by an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code, extract sensitive key material, and implant malicious code on the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23773

With a high severity base score of 7.2 out of 10, the CVE-2023-23773 vulnerability poses significant risks. Attackers could exploit this flaw to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, and system disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23773

This section will outline the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-23773.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio results from the absence of cryptographic signature validation for firmware update packages. This oversight allows attackers to bypass necessary checks and potentially execute malicious code on the device.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system identified in this CVE is the Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio with versions designated as R05.x2.57.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of cryptographic signature validation for firmware update packages, authenticated attackers could gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code, extract sensitive information, and implant persistent malicious code on the affected device.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-23773 vulnerability, immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching procedures are crucial to mitigate risks and enhance the security posture of the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement access controls and limit privileges to reduce the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities related to firmware updates.
Consider temporarily disabling firmware updates until a patch is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for securing devices and handling firmware updates securely.

Patching and Updates

Motorola users are advised to apply security patches released by the vendor to remediate the vulnerability. Stay informed about firmware update releases and follow recommended guidelines to ensure the integrity and security of Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio devices.