CVE-2023-1752 in NXG-100B
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2023
The listed versions of Nexx Smart Home devices could allow any user to register an already registered alarm or associated device with only the device’s MAC address.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1752 affects Nexx Smart Home devices and represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security of smart home ecosystems. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the device registration process, allowing unauthorized users to exploit the system by registering devices that are already in use. The vulnerability specifically targets the alarm and device registration functionality of affected Nexx Smart Home products, creating potential security risks for consumers who rely on these systems for home protection and monitoring.
The technical flaw manifests through a lack of proper MAC address validation during the registration process. When a user attempts to register a device using only its MAC address, the system fails to verify whether that particular device is already associated with another account or registered within the network. This absence of verification creates a path for malicious actors or unauthorized users to gain access to existing device configurations, potentially enabling them to manipulate alarm systems, monitor device status, or interfere with the normal operation of smart home networks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the device management protocols that govern how smart home devices communicate and authenticate within the ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can compromise the integrity of entire smart home networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could register a device that is already in use, potentially gaining control over existing alarm systems and device functionalities. This could lead to denial of service conditions where legitimate users cannot access their devices, or worse, allow unauthorized individuals to disable security systems while maintaining access to the network. The flaw particularly affects scenarios where multiple users share a smart home network or where devices are managed through centralized control systems, as it undermines the trust model that should protect device associations and user permissions.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it enables unauthorized access through legitimate device identification methods. The flaw also connects to broader smart home security concerns under ATT&CK technique T1484.001 for privilege escalation through device management. Organizations and consumers should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced device registration validation, mandatory user authentication for all registration processes, and network segmentation to isolate smart home devices from critical network infrastructure. Additionally, manufacturers should enforce strict MAC address binding policies and implement robust audit trails to detect unauthorized registration attempts. Regular firmware updates and security assessments are essential to address similar issues that may exist in other smart home device ecosystems and to maintain the integrity of IoT security frameworks.