CVE-2023-27352 in One Speaker
Summary
by MITRE • 04/21/2023
This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Sonos One Speaker 70.3-35220. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the processing of the SMB directory query command. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-19845.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27352 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Sonos One Speaker firmware version 70.3-35220. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation within the SMB directory query command processing functionality, creating a path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication for exploitation, making it accessible to any network-adjacent attacker who can reach the device. The flaw resides in the fundamental design of how the system handles object references during SMB operations, specifically failing to verify the existence of objects before attempting operations on them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper validation pattern that aligns with CWE-225, which describes weaknesses related to improper handling of exceptional conditions during object operations. When an SMB directory query command is processed, the system does not perform proper validation checks to ensure that the target object exists before attempting to manipulate it. This oversight creates a race condition or buffer over-read scenario that can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious code into the system's execution context. The vulnerability's exploitation path allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to establish persistent control over affected Sonos One speakers. Since these devices are commonly deployed in residential and commercial environments, the potential for misuse is significant. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create backdoors, install malware, or use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network infiltration. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can modify system files, disable security features, or establish persistent command and control channels through the compromised speakers. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where these speakers are connected to corporate networks or serve as part of smart home ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27352 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Sonos to address the underlying validation flaw in SMB directory query processing. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices from untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous SMB traffic patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw with no authentication requirements necessitates comprehensive network-wide scanning to identify all affected devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls that limit SMB service exposure and establish baseline security configurations for all Sonos devices. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar validation flaws are not present in other network services or device components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in embedded systems and highlights the need for robust security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly for Internet of Things devices that may be exposed to untrusted network environments.