CVE-2023-3654 in cashIT Serving Solutions
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
cashIT! - serving solutions. Devices from "PoS/ Dienstleistung, Entwicklung & Vertrieb GmbH" to 03.A06rks 2023.02.37 are affected by a origin bypass via the host header in an HTTP request. This vulnerability can be triggered by an HTTP endpoint exposed to the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3654 affects cashIT! serving solutions manufactured by PoS/ Dienstleistung, Entwicklung & Vertrieb GmbH, specifically devices running firmware versions up to 03.A06rks 2023.02.37. This security flaw represents a critical origin validation bypass issue that occurs when the system processes HTTP requests containing manipulated host headers. The vulnerability resides in the application's inability to properly validate the source of incoming HTTP requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the HTTP Host header parameter within the web application's request processing logic. When an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request with a spoofed host header value, the system fails to validate whether the request originates from an authorized source or if the host header has been manipulated. This weakness allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the HTTP protocol implementation within the cashIT! device firmware, making it particularly dangerous for point-of-sale environments where sensitive transaction data is processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control bypass, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to unauthorized data access, transaction manipulation, and potential system compromise. Given that these devices are typically deployed in retail environments, the consequences of exploitation could include financial fraud, data breaches, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability's network exposure nature means that any device with publicly accessible HTTP endpoints becomes a potential target, increasing the attack surface significantly. This type of origin bypass vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3654 should focus on implementing proper HTTP host header validation mechanisms and strengthening the application's request processing logic. Organizations should immediately update their cashIT! devices to the latest firmware versions provided by the vendor, as this represents the most effective defense against the known vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices, and additional security controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious HTTP requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security testing and continuous monitoring of network services. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network-facing applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.