CVE-2023-24590 in Controller 6000
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2023
A format string issue in the Controller 6000's optional diagnostic web interface can be used to write/read from memory, and in some instances crash the Controller 6000 leading to a Denial of Service.
This issue affects: Gallagher Controller 6000 8.60 prior to vCR8.60.231116a (distributed in 8.60.2550 (MR7)), all versions of 8.50 and prior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-24590 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the Controller 6000's optional diagnostic web interface, a component that provides administrative access for system diagnostics and monitoring. This flaw resides in the web server implementation that handles diagnostic requests, creating a potential attack surface for malicious actors who can manipulate input parameters to exploit the underlying software implementation. The affected systems include Gallagher Controller 6000 devices running firmware versions 8.60 prior to vCR8.60.231116a, which was distributed in version 8.60.2550 (MR7), as well as all versions of 8.50 and prior, indicating a widespread impact across multiple firmware releases. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings in a way that allows attackers to control the format string arguments, making it a direct instance of improper input handling in security-critical components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters within the diagnostic web interface, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied data before using it in format string operations. When an attacker crafts malicious input that contains format specifiers, the application's failure to properly handle these inputs can result in arbitrary memory read and write operations, effectively allowing attackers to access sensitive memory locations and potentially modify critical system data. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface component, making it accessible through standard network protocols without requiring physical access to the device. The exploitation process typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests containing format string specifiers that cause the application to interpret memory contents or write to arbitrary memory addresses, which can be leveraged to extract system information, corrupt memory structures, or cause the application to crash.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a significant security risk that can potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system memory and potentially escalate privileges. The ability to read from memory can expose sensitive information including authentication credentials, system configuration data, or other confidential information stored in memory locations. In cases where memory corruption occurs, the application may crash or behave unpredictably, leading to denial of service conditions that can disrupt access control operations and potentially create security gaps during the recovery process. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for access control systems where the Controller 6000 serves as a central management component, as it could allow attackers to compromise the integrity of the access control infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1106 for Native API, as exploitation may involve manipulating system processes and memory through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected versions, specifically targeting the vCR8.60.231116a release or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the format string handling issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the diagnostic web interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach these administrative components. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of requests that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those containing format string specifiers or unusual parameter combinations. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected firmware versions and ensure all devices are updated to the latest secure releases. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to the diagnostic interface, and regular security audits should be performed to verify that the system remains protected against similar vulnerabilities in other components. The patching process should include verification steps to confirm that the fix properly addresses the root cause of the format string vulnerability while maintaining system functionality.