CVE-2023-29058 in XClarity Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2023
A valid, authenticated XCC user with read-only permissions can modify custom user roles on other user accounts and the user trespass message through the XCC CLI. There is no exposure if SSH is disabled or if there are no users assigned optional read-only permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-29058 represents a significant privilege escalation issue within the XCC (Cross-Command Console) system that allows authenticated users with read-only permissions to manipulate user roles and system messages. This flaw exists in the access control mechanisms of the XCC CLI, where proper authorization checks are insufficiently enforced for specific administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically affects scenarios where users have been granted optional read-only permissions, creating an unexpected avenue for privilege abuse that directly contradicts the principle of least privilege.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions within the XCC CLI interface. When a user with read-only access attempts to modify custom user roles or the user trespass message, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary elevated privileges for such operations. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks that can be categorized under CWE-285, which deals with improper authorization in access control systems. The flaw allows for unauthorized modification of user permissions and system messaging, effectively enabling a read-only user to gain unauthorized administrative capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables lateral movement and privilege escalation within the system. An attacker who has already established a foothold with read-only access can leverage this vulnerability to modify user roles on other accounts, potentially elevating their privileges or creating backdoors for future access. The user trespass message modification capability adds an additional layer of concern as it could be used to manipulate system alerts and notifications, potentially masking malicious activities or providing false security information to legitimate users. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with modified permissions, and T1548.001, covering abuse of privilege escalation through modified permissions.
The vulnerability is specifically mitigated when SSH access is disabled or when no users are assigned optional read-only permissions, indicating that the flaw is context-dependent and can be controlled through proper system configuration. However, this does not eliminate the underlying security issue but rather provides temporary workarounds. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control policies and ensure that all user permissions are properly audited and validated. The recommended mitigations include implementing stricter authorization checks within the XCC CLI, disabling optional read-only permissions when they are not essential, and ensuring that SSH access is properly configured and monitored. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities that may exist in other system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper separation of duties and ensuring that all administrative functions require appropriate authorization levels regardless of the user's initial access privileges.