CVE-2023-0346 in E11
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2023
Akuvox E11 cloud login is performed through an unencrypted HTTP connection. An attacker could gain access to the Akuvox cloud and device if the MAC address of a device if known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0346 represents a critical security flaw in Akuvox E11 cloud authentication mechanisms that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. This issue stems from the implementation of unencrypted HTTP connections during the cloud login process, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise device access and cloud infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects the Akuvox E11 device model and demonstrates poor security architecture practices that violate fundamental principles of secure communication protocols.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of plaintext HTTP rather than secure HTTPS transmission during authentication processes. This design choice allows attackers to intercept authentication credentials and session information as it travels between the device and cloud infrastructure. When combined with the requirement for MAC address knowledge, the vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to perform targeted attacks against specific devices within a network. The MAC address requirement suggests that attackers could potentially enumerate valid device identifiers through network scanning or other reconnaissance techniques before attempting unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to Akuvox cloud services and connected devices, potentially leading to complete compromise of the security ecosystem. The unencrypted nature of the communication channel means that any sensitive information transmitted during the login process, including authentication tokens and device configuration data, can be easily intercepted and exploited. This creates a risk of unauthorized device management, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networks where these devices are deployed. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network security postures.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a clear violation of established security standards including those outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper transmission over networks. The attack surface aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion domains, where adversaries leverage unencrypted communications to harvest authentication credentials and maintain persistent access to target systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory use of encrypted HTTPS connections, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure communication protocols in IoT device implementations and underscores the necessity of following security-by-design principles in all networked device development processes.