CVE-2023-5222 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE, assigned by VulDB, was published on September 27, 2023, highlighting a critical vulnerability affecting Viessmann Vitogate 300's Web Management Interface due to the presence of a hard-coded password in the vitogate.cgi file.

Understanding CVE-2023-5222

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-5222, emphasizing its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5222?

The vulnerability in Viessmann Vitogate 300, up to version 2.1.3.0, allows unauthorized individuals to access the isValidUser function of the Web Management Interface using a hard-coded password. This critical flaw poses a serious security risk to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5222

With a CVSS base score of 6.3 (medium severity), this vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the Vitogate 300 system. The exploit scenario has been disclosed publicly, raising concerns about potential unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5222

Explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism below.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw resides in the isValidUser function within the vitogate.cgi file of the Web Management Interface, enabling attackers to utilize a hard-coded password for unauthorized access. This weak authentication mechanism poses a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Viessmann Vitogate 300 versions up to 2.1.3.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, specifically within the Web Management Interface module. Versions 2.1.0, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, and 2.1.3 are confirmed as affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the isValidUser function with unknown data, threat actors can exploit the hard-coded password vulnerability and gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially leading to further security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5222 and ensure long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of the Viessmann Vitogate 300 firmware to patch the vulnerability.
Implement strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication for enhanced security.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users about secure password management practices and the importance of system security.
Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Viessmann to protect against emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Viessmann should release a security patch addressing the hard-coded password vulnerability in the Web Management Interface of Vitogate 300. It is crucial for users to promptly apply these patches to secure their systems from potential exploits.