CVE-2023-31997 in UniFi OS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2023
UniFi OS 3.1 introduces a misconfiguration on consoles running UniFi Network that allows users on a local network to access MongoDB. Applicable Cloud Keys that are both (1) running UniFi OS 3.1 and (2) hosting the UniFi Network application. "Applicable Cloud Keys" include the following: Cloud Key Gen2 and Cloud Key Gen2 Plus.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2023
This vulnerability affects UniFi Network applications running on specific hardware platforms including Cloud Key Gen2 and Cloud Key Gen2 Plus devices. The issue stems from a misconfiguration in UniFi OS 3.1 where local network users can gain unauthorized access to the underlying MongoDB database instance. This represents a critical security flaw that violates fundamental principles of network segmentation and access control. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows lateral movement within the network infrastructure where the UniFi controller is deployed, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive network management data. The misconfiguration essentially removes proper authentication boundaries that should exist between the network management interface and the database layer, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by any local user with network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper binding of the MongoDB service to network interfaces that are accessible from the local network segment. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the system fails to properly restrict access to privileged resources. The flaw occurs at the network configuration level where database services should be bound to localhost only, but instead are accessible from external network interfaces. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1078.101 for valid accounts and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically targets the Cloud Key Gen2 and Cloud Key Gen2 Plus hardware platforms, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and small business environments, making the impact widespread across various network infrastructures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized database access, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical network management information including user credentials, device configurations, and network topology data. Attackers could leverage this access to modify network settings, create backdoor accounts, or extract sensitive information that could be used for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit, as local network users can access the database without authentication. This type of vulnerability is classified as a security misconfiguration that directly impacts the principle of least privilege and network segmentation. Organizations using affected hardware platforms should immediately implement network segmentation measures to isolate the UniFi controller from other network segments, as well as ensure proper firewall rules are in place to restrict access to MongoDB ports. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper service configuration and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network-level protections including implementing firewall rules to restrict access to MongoDB ports, ensuring services bind only to localhost interfaces, and conducting comprehensive network segmentation. Organizations should also perform regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar misconfigurations across their infrastructure. The remediation process involves updating to UniFi OS versions that properly address this configuration issue, as well as implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to database services. Security teams should also review their access control policies and ensure that all network services are configured according to security best practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper service hardening and configuration management in enterprise network environments, where a single misconfiguration can provide attackers with significant access privileges.