CVE-2023-25548 in StruxureWare Data Center Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
A CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization vulnerability exists that could allow access to device credentials on specific DCE endpoints not being properly secured when a hacker is using a low privileged user.
Affected products: StruxureWare Data Center Expert (V7.9.2 and prior)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25548 represents a critical authorization flaw classified under CWE-863, which specifically addresses incorrect authorization conditions within software systems. This weakness manifests in StruxureWare Data Center Expert version 7.9.2 and earlier releases, where certain Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) endpoints fail to implement proper access controls. The vulnerability occurs when an attacker with low privileged user credentials attempts to access device credentials through these inadequately protected endpoints, potentially bypassing intended security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient authorization checks at the DCE endpoint level within the StruxureWare platform. DCE endpoints typically serve as communication interfaces for distributed system operations, and when these endpoints lack proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, they become attack vectors for privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically affects the credential handling processes within the data center expert software, where device authentication information is exposed through improperly secured communication channels.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for data center management systems as it allows attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to device credentials without requiring elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised device credentials could enable attackers to manipulate data center infrastructure, disrupt operations, or establish persistent access points within the network environment. This risk is particularly severe in data center environments where system integrity and security are paramount for maintaining operational continuity and protecting sensitive infrastructure data.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which focuses on legitimate credentials gained through valid accounts. Attackers could leverage this flaw to perform credential access operations without triggering traditional security controls that monitor for privilege escalation attempts. Organizations using StruxureWare Data Center Expert v7.9.2 or earlier should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest software versions, implementing additional network segmentation controls, and conducting comprehensive access control reviews. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper endpoint security measures and adherence to security best practices for distributed computing environments. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns to DCE endpoints and establish strict access control policies for all system interfaces. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar authorization flaws in other enterprise systems and ensure compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 for access control requirements.