CVE-2023-28811 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-28811 involves a buffer overflow vulnerability in the password recovery feature of certain Hikvision NVR/DVR models. Exploiting this vulnerability could potentially lead to a malfunction of the device if a specially crafted packet is sent to an unpatched device on the same local area network (LAN).

Understanding CVE-2023-28811

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE, highlighting its impact and technical details.

What is CVE-2023-28811?

CVE-2023-28811 is a buffer overflow vulnerability found in the password recovery feature of Hikvision NVR/DVR models. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker within the same LAN, allowing them to disrupt the functionality of the device through malicious data packets.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28811

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as high severity. By sending specially crafted packets, an attacker could potentially trigger a buffer overflow, causing the affected device to malfunction. The availability of the device may be compromised, leading to service disruption.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28811

This section provides a more detailed overview of the vulnerability, including how it can be exploited and the systems and versions affected.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a buffer overflow in the password recovery feature of Hikvision NVR/DVR models. When manipulated by an attacker through carefully crafted packets, this could lead to a denial of service on the affected device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various Hikvision NVR/DVR models are impacted by this vulnerability, specifically those with build dates before 230821 and versions prior to V4.1.60. Affected products include iDS-EXXHUH, DS-EXXHGH, iDS-EXXHQH, DVR-EXXHUH, and several others.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted packets to an unpatched Hikvision NVR/DVR device on the same LAN. This could trigger the buffer overflow and potentially lead to a device malfunction.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28811, certain immediate steps can be taken to mitigate the risk and ensure long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Patch affected Hikvision NVR/DVR models with the necessary updates provided by the vendor.
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to vulnerable devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches on all network devices.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on best practices for password hygiene and network security.

Patching and Updates

Hikvision has released patches addressing the buffer overflow vulnerability in the affected NVR/DVR models. Ensure all devices are updated with the latest firmware to mitigate the risk of exploitation.