CVE-2023-25188 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a security issue discovered on NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices before version 21B. It allows unauthenticated access to the BTS embedded Linux operating system when security hardenings are removed from the baseband unit.

Understanding CVE-2023-25188

This section will cover the details of CVE-2023-25188, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2023-25188?

CVE-2023-25188 is a vulnerability that affects NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices before version 21B. It allows unauthenticated access to the BTS embedded Linux operating system through the BTS baseband unit diagnostic tool AaShell.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25188

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium. It has a CVSS base score of 5.1, with a high attack complexity and privileges required. The confidentiality and integrity impact are low, but the availability impact is high.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25188

In this section, we will delve into the technical details of CVE-2023-25188, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices allows unauthenticated access from the mobile network solution internal BTS management network to the BTS embedded Linux operating system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices before version 21B.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves the removal of security hardenings from the baseband unit, enabling unauthenticated access to the BTS embedded Linux operating system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will provide insights into mitigating and preventing the risks associated with CVE-2023-25188.

Immediate Steps to Take

Maintain the security hardenings on the NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices.
Monitor and restrict access to the BTS baseband unit diagnostic tool AaShell.
Implement segmented network access controls to limit unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits on network devices.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from NOKIA regarding product vulnerabilities.
Train personnel on best security practices and protocols for device management.

Patching and Updates

Apply the necessary security patches provided by NOKIA to address the vulnerability in affected devices.