CVE-2023-0343 in E11
Summary
by MITRE • 03/31/2023
Akuvox E11 contains a function that encrypts messages which are then forwarded. The IV vector and the key are static, and this may allow an attacker to decrypt messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0343 resides within the Akuvox E11 communication device, specifically within its message encryption implementation. This device operates as part of a broader ecosystem of IP-based security and communication systems, where secure message transmission is paramount for maintaining operational integrity and confidentiality. The flaw manifests in the cryptographic implementation used for encrypting messages that are subsequently forwarded through the network infrastructure, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this equipment for sensitive communications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the implementation of static initialization vectors and fixed encryption keys within the cryptographic algorithm. According to CWE-327, this represents a critical weakness in cryptographic practices where the reuse of initialization vectors and keys undermines the fundamental security properties of encryption schemes. The static nature of these cryptographic parameters means that attackers can perform cryptographic analysis on captured messages, potentially reconstructing the encryption key through pattern recognition and statistical analysis techniques. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of cryptographic key management as outlined in NIST SP 800-57, which emphasizes the importance of unique and unpredictable initialization vectors for each encryption operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple message interception, as it fundamentally compromises the confidentiality of communications within the Akuvox E11 ecosystem. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially decrypt previously captured messages, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, communication metadata, and potentially operational intelligence. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing with Social Engineering) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers may leverage the decrypted information for further social engineering campaigns or network reconnaissance activities. The static cryptographic parameters create a persistent threat vector that remains exploitable over time, unlike vulnerabilities that require specific conditions or temporary states.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term cryptographic security improvements. Organizations should prioritize updating the firmware of affected Akuvox E11 devices to versions that implement dynamic initialization vectors and proper key rotation mechanisms. The implementation should follow established cryptographic best practices including the use of cryptographically secure random number generators for initialization vector generation and adherence to NIST guidelines for key management. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious cryptographic traffic patterns that may indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated cryptographic implementation maintains functionality while addressing the security weaknesses present in the original design.