CVE-2020-14023 in NG SMS Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Ozeki NG SMS Gateway through 4.17.6 allows SSRF via SMS WCF or RSS To SMS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14023 affects the Ozeki NG SMS Gateway version 4.17.6 and earlier, presenting a significant server-side request forgery flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the SMS WCF (Windows Communication Foundation) and RSS To SMS functionality within the gateway system, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to manipulate the gateway's behavior by making unauthorized requests to internal systems. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain access to internal network resources that would otherwise be protected from external access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SMS gateway's web services interfaces. When processing SMS requests through WCF or RSS feeds, the system fails to properly validate the destination URLs or endpoints specified in the requests, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary internal network addresses or protocols. This weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate and restrict external requests. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate gateway functionality, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to internal systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities against internal networks, potentially discovering additional vulnerable systems or services that exist behind firewalls. The attack surface includes the ability to access internal web services, databases, or other network resources that are typically isolated from external network access. This can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on SMS gateway solutions for communication, particularly those with integrated business systems that may contain sensitive data or critical operational information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-14023 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control measures within the SMS gateway configuration. Organizations should disable or restrict the problematic WCF and RSS To SMS functionality if not essential for operations, and implement network segmentation to isolate the gateway from critical internal systems. The solution involves configuring the gateway to validate all incoming URLs and restrict access to internal network resources through proper firewall rules and proxy configurations. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify suspicious requests that attempt to access internal resources through the gateway. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries exploit publicly accessible applications to gain access to internal systems. Organizations should also ensure that the gateway is updated to the latest version that includes patches for this vulnerability, and consider implementing network access controls that prevent the gateway from making unauthorized outbound connections to internal systems.