CVE-2023-2870 in Monitor Asset Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 05/24/2023
A vulnerability was found in EnTech Monitor Asset Manager 2.9. It has been declared as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function 0x80002014 of the component IoControlCode Handler. The manipulation leads to denial of service. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-229849 was assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2870 resides within EnTech Monitor Asset Manager version 2.9, specifically targeting the IoControlCode Handler component where function 0x80002014 exhibits problematic behavior leading to denial of service conditions. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the system's availability and operational integrity, particularly affecting local host environments where the application operates. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue stems from its ability to manipulate system resources through direct input/output control mechanisms that are typically restricted to authorized processes.
This weakness manifests through improper validation and handling of input parameters within the IoControlCode Handler, which falls under the broader category of improper input validation vulnerabilities. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious input sequences that trigger unexpected behavior in the system's control flow, ultimately resulting in system unresponsiveness or complete service interruption. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, as the system fails to adequately validate the parameters passed to the IoControlCode handler function. The specific nature of the flaw suggests inadequate bounds checking and parameter validation that permits arbitrary code execution or resource exhaustion through carefully crafted input sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2870 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it creates a potential vector for persistent system compromise within local network environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to maintain continued access to affected systems, particularly in enterprise monitoring scenarios where asset managers are frequently deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access is already compromised. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used indicates a significant risk to organizations running vulnerable versions of EnTech Monitor Asset Manager.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, which specifically addresses methods of causing system unavailability through resource exhaustion or service disruption. The vulnerability's local attack surface makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access or conduct reconnaissance activities within compromised networks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the affected software to version 2.9.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the IoControlCode Handler implementation. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit local access to monitoring systems, disabling unnecessary input/output control functions, and monitoring for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability's disclosure without vendor response underscores the importance of proactive security measures and community-driven vulnerability management. Organizations should maintain robust patch management processes and consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues across their IT infrastructure. The public availability of exploit code increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation, making immediate remediation essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing potential data loss or service disruption. Security teams should also conduct thorough assessments of other systems running similar monitoring software to identify potential variants of this vulnerability that might exist in related products or versions.