CVE-2023-23773 in MBTS Base Radio
Summary
by MITRE • 08/29/2023
Motorola EBTS/MBTS Base Radio fails to check firmware authenticity. The Motorola MBTS Base Radio lacks cryptographic signature validation for firmware update packages, allowing an authenticated attacker to gain arbitrary code execution, extract secret key material, and/or leave a persistent implant on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-23773 represents a critical security flaw in Motorola's EBTS/MBTS Base Radio systems that fundamentally undermines the integrity and authenticity of firmware updates. This weakness exists within the device's update mechanism where cryptographic signature validation is completely absent, creating an exploitable gap that allows malicious actors to manipulate the firmware installation process. The vulnerability specifically affects Motorola's MBTS Base Radio equipment which operates within cellular infrastructure environments, making it a significant concern for telecommunications security and network integrity. The absence of proper authentication mechanisms creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and establish unauthorized access to critical network components.
This technical flaw stems from the lack of cryptographic signature verification during firmware installation processes, which is a fundamental security control that should prevent unauthorized modifications to system software. The vulnerability falls under CWE-316, which addresses weak credential management and authentication failures, while also aligning with CWE-327, concerning broken or weak cryptographic algorithms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the device operates within critical telecommunications infrastructure, where unauthorized access could lead to widespread service disruption, data interception, or network compromise. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an adversary must first gain legitimate access to the system, but once achieved, they can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges and access sensitive cryptographic material.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to include persistent threat establishment and potential data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can install backdoors or implants that remain active even after system reboots, creating long-term access points within the network infrastructure. The ability to extract secret key material poses additional risks as these cryptographic keys could be used to decrypt communications or impersonate legitimate network components. The implications for network security are severe, as base radio equipment serves as the foundation for cellular communications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for mobile network operators. The attack could potentially enable man-in-the-middle scenarios, service disruption attacks, or even complete network compromise depending on the attacker's objectives and access level.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-23773 should focus on immediate implementation of cryptographic signature validation mechanisms and comprehensive security assessments of affected systems. Organizations should implement firmware integrity checking procedures and establish secure update protocols that validate all firmware packages before installation. The remediation process should include updating to patched firmware versions from Motorola, implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious update activities, and establishing strict access controls for firmware update operations. Security measures should also include regular cryptographic key rotation, enhanced network segmentation, and comprehensive logging of all firmware update activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder) for persistence and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) for command and control communications. Network administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized firmware update activities and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this type of infrastructure compromise. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure boot processes and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies for critical network infrastructure components.