CVE-2023-24512 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

In this CVE-2023-24512 breakdown, we will explore the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this security vulnerability affecting Arista platforms running the EOS software.

Understanding CVE-2023-24512

This section delves into the core information regarding CVE-2023-24512, providing insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-24512?

CVE-2023-24512 pertains to a security flaw that enables authorized attackers on impacted platforms running Arista EOS to manipulate configurations within the switch by crafting specific requests. This issue arises when the Streaming Telemetry Agent (TerminAttr agent) is active and configured for gNMI access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24512

The vulnerability poses a significant threat as it allows attackers to make unauthorized alterations to switch configurations, potentially leading to service disruption, data breaches, and other adverse consequences. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 (High) underscores the severity of the risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24512

This section provides a deeper dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-24512, covering vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper access control, enabling attackers with gNMI request permissions to modify arbitrary configurations on affected Arista EOS platforms.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted systems include devices running the Arista Terminattr product, with specific versions such as 1.23.0, 1.24.0 (up to 1.24.3), and 1.22.0 (up to 1.22.1) vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authorized attackers can exploit CVE-2023-24512 by leveraging permissions to craft gNMI requests that update configurations, exploiting the Terminattr agent and gNMI access settings.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-24512, adopting effective mitigation and prevention measures is crucial to safeguarding network environments from potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Configure the Streaming Telemetry Agent in gRPC read-only mode to limit write access.
Restart the TerminAttr agent after applying configuration changes to enforce security measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

For long-term security resilience, upgrading to remediated software versions is recommended to address the underlying vulnerability effectively. This involves updating the Streaming Telemetry Agent and EOS software to patched versions.

Patching and Updates

Two primary solutions are proposed for mitigating CVE-2023-24512:

Upgrade the Streaming Telemetry Agent to fixed versions, such as TerminAttr 1.25.0 or later, as per Arista's guidance.
Upgrade the EOS software to versions containing the patched Streaming Telemetry Agent, ensuring network integrity and protection against exploitation.

By prioritizing these measures, organizations can fortify their systems against CVE-2023-24512 and enhance overall cybersecurity posture.