CVE-2023-4203 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-4203 was published by CyberDanube on August 8, 2023, and affects Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices. Authenticated users can trigger a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the ping tool of the web-interface of these devices.

Understanding CVE-2023-4203

CVE-2023-4203 is a critical vulnerability that allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks on certain Advantech devices, potentially impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-4203?

The CVE-2023-4203 vulnerability specifically targets Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices running versions up to 1.24. It enables authenticated users to execute malicious scripts through the ping tool in the devices' web interface, posing a security risk to the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4203

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as critical, with a base score of 9 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. It can lead to high availability, confidentiality, and integrity impacts, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the affected devices through cross-site scripting attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4203

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-4203 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in question is related to Stored Cross-Site Scripting, a type of attack that occurs when malicious scripts are injected and executed within a target web application. In this case, the vulnerability resides in the ping tool of the web-interface of Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices up to version 1.24 are susceptible to this Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. It is crucial for users of these devices to take immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users leveraging the ping tool within the web-interface of the affected Advantech devices. By injecting and executing malicious scripts, attackers can potentially manipulate the devices and compromise their security.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-4203, users of Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices should take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized access to the affected devices.
Disable or restrict the use of the ping tool in the web-interface until a patch is applied.
Regularly monitor and audit network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Advantech regarding this vulnerability.
Educate users on safe web browsing practices and security awareness to prevent social engineering attacks.
Consider implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential security breaches on critical systems.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for users of Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices to apply the necessary patches or updates released by the vendor to address the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. Regularly checking for security updates and maintaining up-to-date software can help strengthen the security posture of the affected systems.