CVE-2023-3263 in iBoot-PDU
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2023
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier is vulnerable to authentication bypass in the REST API due to the mishandling of special characters when parsing credentials.Successful exploitation allows the malicious agent to obtain a valid authorization token and read information relating to the state of the relays and power distribution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2023
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU represents a critical infrastructure device used for power distribution management in data centers and server environments. This networked power distribution unit operates through a REST API interface that enables remote monitoring and control of power outlets and relay states. The vulnerability exists within the firmware version 1.43.03312023 and earlier releases, where the authentication mechanism fails to properly handle special characters during credential parsing operations. This flaw creates a path for unauthorized access that directly undermines the security posture of the device and the systems it manages.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the authentication subsystem. When credentials are submitted through the REST API, the system fails to adequately process special characters that may be present in usernames or passwords, leading to a scenario where malformed or specially crafted credentials can bypass the authentication checks entirely. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic case of credential handling weakness that allows for privilege escalation through bypass mechanisms. The authentication bypass occurs at the parsing layer rather than at the authentication service itself, making it particularly insidious as it exploits a fundamental flaw in how the system processes user input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete compromise of the power distribution management system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can obtain valid authorization tokens that grant full access to the REST API endpoints. This access enables the malicious actor to read relay states, monitor power consumption patterns, and potentially manipulate the power distribution configuration. The implications are severe for data center operations, as unauthorized individuals could disrupt services by toggling power relays, causing system outages, or performing reconnaissance to map the power infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within networked environments where the PDU serves as a critical management endpoint, potentially enabling attackers to pivot to other systems that rely on the same authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to firmware versions that contain proper credential parsing and validation mechanisms, which should be implemented immediately upon availability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate critical power distribution equipment from general network access, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. Additional security measures include implementing robust monitoring of REST API access patterns to detect anomalous authentication attempts, enforcing strong password policies that minimize the risk of credential compromise, and establishing regular security assessments of networked power management devices. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to TA0001 (Initial Access) and TA0003 (Persistence) tactics, as it provides unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components that can be leveraged for further compromise of the network environment.