CVE-2023-37291 in Vitals ESP
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2023
Galaxy Software Services Vitals ESP is vulnerable to using a hard-coded encryption key. An unauthenticated remote attacker can generate a valid token parameter and exploit this vulnerability to access system to operate processes and access data.
This issue affects Vitals ESP: from 3.0.8 through 6.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37291 resides within Galaxy Software Services Vitals ESP software, specifically impacting versions ranging from 3.0.8 through 6.2.0. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic controls, where a hard-coded encryption key is embedded within the application's source code or configuration files. The presence of such a hard-coded key violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of a static encryption key that remains unchanged across all instances of the software deployment. This hard-coded key serves as the foundation for generating authentication tokens and encryption operations within the system. Attackers who discover this hardcoded credential can leverage it to generate valid token parameters that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability creates a path for unauthorized remote access to system operations and data resources, effectively allowing an unauthenticated attacker to assume legitimate user privileges and execute privileged actions within the application environment. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-320, which addresses the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys, and represents a classic example of poor key management practices in software development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised system. An attacker can manipulate system processes, access sensitive data repositories, modify configurations, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper control over the entire Vitals ESP environment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target the system from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in production environments where such systems may be exposed to external networks. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for data exfiltration, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Vitals ESP systems are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37291 must prioritize immediate remediation through software updates provided by Galaxy Software Services, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific hard-coded key issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious token generation activities. The remediation process should include replacing the hard-coded encryption key with a dynamically generated or properly managed cryptographic key that adheres to industry standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-57 for key management. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and continuous monitoring of system logs can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting and endpoint protection measures to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially compromised applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through application vulnerabilities.