CVE-2022-23144 in ZXvSTB
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
There is a broken access control vulnerability in ZTE ZXvSTB product. Due to improper permission control, attackers could use this vulnerability to delete the default application type, which affects normal use of system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23144 represents a critical broken access control flaw within ZTE ZXvSTB products that fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's permission model. This weakness stems from inadequate authorization checks that fail to properly validate user privileges before allowing critical operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the default application type deletion functionality, which serves as a core component of the set-top box's operational framework. Such a flaw creates a pathway for unauthorized actors to manipulate the system's default application configuration, potentially leading to complete service disruption and system instability. The issue manifests in a manner that directly violates the principle of least privilege, where legitimate users should not possess the ability to modify or remove default applications without proper authorization. This vulnerability impacts the overall security posture of the device by undermining the trust model that should govern application management within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in access control enforcement mechanisms within the ZTE ZXvSTB firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform unauthorized deletions of default applications, which typically include essential system components that maintain the device's operational integrity and user experience. The flaw likely exists in the application management module where permission validation is either absent or insufficiently implemented, allowing any authenticated user to execute destructive operations. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through improper access controls. The system's failure to properly validate user credentials and roles before permitting application deletion operations creates a direct attack vector that can be leveraged to compromise the device's normal functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23144 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential complete system compromise and user experience degradation. When default applications are deleted, the affected set-top box may lose critical functionality such as channel browsing, network connectivity management, or user interface operations that depend on these baseline applications. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in deployment environments where multiple users or unauthorized personnel have access to the device, as it enables attackers to systematically remove essential system components. The disruption caused by this vulnerability can affect not only individual users but potentially entire service provider networks if multiple devices are compromised, leading to widespread service outages and customer dissatisfaction. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability may allow for cascading effects where the deletion of one default application triggers failures in dependent system components, creating a domino effect that amplifies the overall impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23144 should focus on strengthening the access control mechanisms within the ZTE ZXvSTB firmware to ensure that only authorized personnel can perform application deletion operations. System administrators should implement strict role-based access controls that differentiate between regular users and administrative accounts, ensuring that default application modifications are restricted to privileged users with proper authorization. The firmware should be updated to include proper input validation and permission checking before any application deletion operations are executed, with audit logging enabled to track such activities. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and application modification activities. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses that may exist within the system. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of access control validation to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.