CVE-2023-0971 in Z-IP Gateway SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2023
A logic error in SiLabs Z/IP Gateway SDK 7.18.02 and earlier allows authentication to be bypassed, remote administration of Z-Wave controllers, and S0/S2 encryption keys to be recovered.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0971 represents a critical logic error within the SiLabs Z/IP Gateway SDK version 7.18.02 and earlier implementations. This flaw exists in the authentication mechanism of Z-Wave gateway systems that utilize the SiLabs SDK, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to networked Z-Wave controllers. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication requests, allowing malicious actors to circumvent the standard security protocols that should protect these wireless home automation networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues within software systems. The flaw enables an attacker to perform remote administration of Z-Wave controllers without proper credentials, effectively granting full control over connected smart home devices. This includes the ability to manipulate device configurations, disable security features, and potentially gain access to other networked systems that may be connected to the same Z-Wave network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the fundamental security model of Z-Wave communication protocols.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for residential and commercial smart home environments that rely on Z-Wave technology. The ability to recover S0/S2 encryption keys represents a severe compromise of the network's security infrastructure, as these keys are essential for maintaining encrypted communication between Z-Wave devices. Attackers could potentially intercept and decrypt sensitive communications, leading to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to connected devices. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network or devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is assumed to provide protection.
The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration and device manipulation that could compromise entire smart home ecosystems. Organizations and individuals using SiLabs Z/IP Gateway SDK implementations should immediately assess their network configurations and implement mitigations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage, and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering or system exploitation. Security measures should include network segmentation, monitoring for unauthorized administrative access, and immediate firmware updates to patched versions of the SDK. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts and ensure that all Z-Wave devices are properly secured with strong encryption keys.