CVE-2023-25552 in StruxureWare Data Center Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
A CWE-862: Missing Authorization vulnerability exists that could allow viewing of unauthorized content, changes or deleting of content, or performing unauthorized functions when tampering the Device File Transfer settings on DCE endpoints. 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-2023-25552 represents a critical authorization flaw classified under CWE-862, which specifically addresses missing authorization controls within software systems. This weakness manifests in the StruxureWare Data Center Expert platform version 7.9.2 and earlier, where the application fails to properly validate user permissions when interacting with Device File Transfer settings on DCE endpoints. The absence of proper authorization checks creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended access controls and gain unauthorized privileges within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should normally verify user credentials and permissions before allowing modifications to device file transfer configurations. When administrators or authorized users interact with DCE endpoints, the system should enforce strict authorization protocols to ensure that only legitimate users with appropriate clearance can modify critical settings. However, in this case, the authorization layer is either completely absent or inadequately implemented, allowing unauthorized entities to manipulate device configurations through tampering with Device File Transfer settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass a broad range of potentially damaging activities. An attacker exploiting this weakness could gain the ability to view sensitive content that should be restricted to authorized personnel only, modify critical system configurations that affect device operations, delete important data or configuration files, and perform unauthorized functions within the DCE environment. This comprehensive access capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized control over data center operations.
Organizations utilizing StruxureWare Data Center Expert versions 7.9.2 or earlier face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it directly undermines the security posture of their data center management infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that DCE endpoints typically manage critical infrastructure components where unauthorized access could result in service disruptions, data breaches, or operational failures. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and lateral movement, as attackers could use the unauthorized access to expand their control within the network environment. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where users are granted access beyond what is strictly necessary for their operational requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-25552 should prioritize immediate remediation through official software updates from the vendor, as this will address the underlying authorization implementation flaws. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to DCE endpoints, enforce strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and conduct comprehensive security audits to identify other potential authorization gaps within their data center management systems. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect unauthorized attempts to modify Device File Transfer settings, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authorization control implementation in enterprise infrastructure management systems and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when these security controls are inadequately designed or implemented.