CVE-2023-31474 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability has been identified on GL.iNet devices before version 3.216 that allows attackers to inject arbitrary parameters, potentially leading to unauthorized access and information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2023-31474

This section will provide an overview of the CVE-2023-31474 vulnerability and its impacts.

What is CVE-2023-31474?

The CVE-2023-31474 vulnerability exists in GL.iNet devices before version 3.216, where attackers can exploit the software installation feature to inject arbitrary parameters in a request. This action could cause opkg to retrieve a list of files from a specific directory using the regex feature in a package name.

The Impact of CVE-2023-31474

The impact of CVE-2023-31474 includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the affected devices. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather sensitive data and execute further malicious actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-31474

This section will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-31474, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows threat actors to manipulate the software installation process, injecting unauthorized parameters that could lead to the retrieval of confidential information from specific directories using opkg and regex features.

Affected Systems and Versions

GL.iNet devices before version 3.216 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-31474. Users operating on versions prior to the mentioned release are at risk of exploitation and data compromise.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the software installation functionality, attackers can craft requests with arbitrary parameters to force opkg to disclose file listings in targeted directories, paving the way for unauthorized data access.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, strategies to mitigate the CVE-2023-31474 vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation will be discussed.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of GL.iNet devices are advised to update to version 3.216 or later to mitigate the CVE-2023-31474 vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities on the network or device is crucial to detect potential intrusions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits are fundamental long-term security practices to thwart unauthorized access and data breaches.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating device firmware, applying security patches, and staying informed about the latest security advisories from GL.iNet are essential to safeguard against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-31474.