CVE-2023-25643 in MC801A
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
There is a command injection vulnerability in some ZTE mobile internet products. Due to insufficient input validation of multiple network parameters, an authenticated attacker could use the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2024
The command injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25643 affects multiple ZTE mobile internet products, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the device management interfaces, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted network parameter inputs. The flaw exists in the way these devices process user-supplied data, particularly when handling network configuration parameters that are intended for legitimate administrative purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to inject malicious commands into the system through network parameter fields that should be strictly validated. This occurs because the affected ZTE products fail to properly sanitize or validate inputs before processing them within the device's command execution environment. The vulnerability manifests when legitimate administrative functions accept user input without sufficient filtering or encoding, enabling an attacker with valid credentials to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on the affected devices. This represents a classic command injection flaw categorized under CWE-77, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary commands through inadequate input validation.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2023-25643 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential complete system compromise and network disruption. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain root-level access to the mobile internet devices, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to service degradation, data interception, or complete network outages affecting numerous end users connected to the compromised network segments. This threat vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious commands through legitimate system interfaces.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that it affects mobile internet products, which typically serve as critical infrastructure components for telecommunications networks. These devices often operate in environments where they handle sensitive network traffic and may serve as gateways for enterprise or residential users, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to establish persistent access points within larger network ecosystems. The authenticated nature of the attack requirement does not mitigate the overall risk, as the compromise of legitimate administrative credentials through social engineering or credential theft attacks could enable exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, enhanced access controls, and comprehensive input validation updates to protect against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms, particularly in network infrastructure devices where the consequences of command injection attacks can be catastrophic.