CVE-2023-3206 in VEC40G
Summary
by MITRE • 06/12/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Chengdu VEC40G 3.0. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /send_order.cgi?parameter=restart. The manipulation of the argument restart with the input reboot leads to denial of service. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-231229 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 • 07/08/2023
This vulnerability exists in the Chengdu VEC40G 3.0 system where the /send_order.cgi script processes a parameter named restart. The flaw occurs when an attacker sends a request with the restart parameter set to reboot, which causes the system to enter a denial of service state. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable and has been publicly disclosed, indicating that malicious actors could potentially leverage this weakness to disrupt system operations. The attack vector requires no authentication and can be executed over a network connection, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are accessible from external networks. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts suggests that organizations may need to implement immediate defensive measures while waiting for official patches or workarounds.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a command injection or process control flaw within the CGI script execution flow. When the restart parameter is processed, the system likely executes system commands or triggers service restart operations without proper input validation or sanitization. This type of vulnerability maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and potentially CWE-88, which covers improper neutralization of argument separators in a command. The system appears to directly interpret user-supplied input as a command directive, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate system behavior through crafted requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it could potentially allow attackers to disrupt critical system operations or create conditions that might enable further exploitation. Organizations using the VEC40G 3.0 system may experience service interruptions that affect business operations, particularly if the system is part of critical infrastructure or network monitoring functions. The remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or network proximity to the affected system, which increases the attack surface and potential impact. From an attack technique perspective, this vulnerability could be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Execution tactic, specifically using legitimate system utilities or commands to perform unauthorized operations.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, disable unnecessary network services, and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The most effective immediate mitigation involves implementing input validation controls that prevent the restart parameter from being processed when it contains values that could trigger system restart operations. Administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter incoming requests to the vulnerable CGI endpoint. Additionally, organizations should develop incident response procedures that include rapid assessment and remediation capabilities for similar vulnerabilities, as the lack of vendor response indicates a potential gap in vendor support for older or specialized systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other system components that might be susceptible to similar attack patterns.