CVE-2023-31426 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides details about CVE-2023-31426, a vulnerability in Brocade Fabric OS that could allow remote attackers to access sensitive information through commands configupload and configdownload.

Understanding CVE-2023-31426

CVE-2023-31426 is a security vulnerability in Brocade Fabric OS that affects versions before Brocade Fabric OS v9.1.1c, v8.2.3d, v9.2.0. It allows authenticated remote attackers to access sensitive information through exposed passwords.

What is CVE-2023-31426?

The vulnerability in Brocade Fabric OS allows the commands configupload and configdownload to print passwords of scp, sftp, and ftp servers in supportsave, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-31426

The impact of CVE-2023-31426 includes a medium severity base score of 6.8 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. The confidentiality impact is rated as high, indicating the potential exposure of critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-31426

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-532, involving the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Attackers with network access and low privileges can exploit this issue, requiring user interaction for successful exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

Brocade Fabric OS versions prior to v9.1.1c, v8.2.3d, v9.2.0 expose passwords of scp, sftp, and ftp servers in supportsave commands, enabling attackers to retrieve these credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

Brocade Fabric OS versions before v9.1.1c, v8.2.3d, v9.2.0 are affected by this vulnerability, potentially impacting systems that utilize these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers with authenticated access can leverage the configupload and configdownload commands to retrieve sensitive password information, compromising system security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-31426, immediate steps and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Brocade Fabric OS to versions v9.1.1c, v8.2.3d, or v9.2.0 to address the vulnerability. It is crucial to secure the passwords of scp, sftp, and ftp servers to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regularly monitoring system logs for suspicious activities, and conducting security audits can enhance overall system security and prevent potential exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches provided by Brocade is essential to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities and security threats.