CVE-2023-25091 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record, assigned by Talos, highlights multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the vtysh_ubus binary of Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5. These vulnerabilities stem from the usage of an unsafe sprintf pattern, allowing a specially crafted HTTP request to trigger arbitrary code execution. An attacker with elevated privileges can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious HTTP requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-25091

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-25091, shedding light on the vulnerability's nature, impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-25091?

CVE-2023-25091 refers to multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities present in the vtysh_ubus binary of Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5. These vulnerabilities arise due to the use of an unsafe sprintf pattern, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted HTTP requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25091

The impact of CVE-2023-25091 is significant, given that it allows attackers to exploit buffer overflow vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution. With high privileges, threat actors can manipulate HTTP requests to trigger these vulnerabilities, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25091

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25091, outlining the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question stems from multiple buffer overflow issues in the vtysh_ubus binary of Milesight UR32L v32.3.0.5. It occurs in the handle_interface_acl function, specifically with the 'interface' variable when 'out_acl' is set to -1.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is the Milesight UR32L running version v32.3.0.5. Other versions may not be affected by these specific buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending carefully crafted HTTP requests, an attacker can exploit the unsafe sprintf pattern in the vtysh_ubus binary to trigger buffer overflows, leading to potential arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the risks posed by CVE-2023-25091, it is crucial to implement immediate steps to mitigate the vulnerability and adopt long-term security practices to safeguard against similar threats. Regular patching and updates are essential to address and prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of Milesight UR32L that addresses the buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests that could potentially exploit the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ proper input validation procedures to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Restrict access to sensitive functions and privileged accounts to mitigate the impact of potential exploits.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities. Timely installation of patches is crucial to ensure system security and resilience against emerging threats.