CVE-2023-28053 in NetWorker Virtual Edition
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2023
Dell NetWorker Virtual Edition versions 19.8 and below contain the use of deprecated cryptographic algorithms in the SSH component. A remote unauthenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability leading to some information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28053 affects Dell NetWorker Virtual Edition systems running versions 19.8 and earlier, specifically targeting the SSH component that employs deprecated cryptographic algorithms. This issue represents a significant security concern within the context of remote system access and data protection mechanisms. The use of outdated cryptographic protocols in SSH implementations creates exploitable weaknesses that can be leveraged by malicious actors without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability exists within the Secure Shell protocol implementation that governs remote access capabilities for these network management systems.
The technical flaw stems from the incorporation of deprecated cryptographic algorithms within the SSH subsystem of Dell NetWorker Virtual Edition, which violates modern security standards and best practices. This weakness allows attackers to potentially intercept and analyze network traffic to extract sensitive information, as the deprecated algorithms lack the computational security required to withstand contemporary cryptographic attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the encryption and authentication mechanisms that are fundamental to SSH communications, making it possible for unauthenticated remote attackers to gain access to system information through traffic analysis or other indirect methods. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in cryptographic implementation where deprecated or insecure cryptographic algorithms are used, directly correlating to CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected systems within enterprise network environments. Organizations utilizing Dell NetWorker Virtual Edition versions 19.8 and below face potential exposure of sensitive operational data, configuration information, and network communication patterns that could be exploited by threat actors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can potentially exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are accessible from untrusted networks. This weakness could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about network topology, and potentially facilitate more sophisticated attacks through the information obtained.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28053 should prioritize immediate system upgrades to the latest Dell NetWorker Virtual Edition releases that address the deprecated cryptographic algorithm implementation. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious SSH traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider implementing additional monitoring solutions specifically designed to detect anomalous SSH behavior and potential cryptographic protocol violations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a reconnaissance phase where adversaries gather information about target systems, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of updated systems to ensure that the cryptographic implementations meet current security standards and that no regressions have been introduced in system functionality.