CVE-2023-3769 in INGEPAC DA3451
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Incorrect data input validation vulnerability, which could allow an attacker with access to the network to implement fuzzing techniques that would allow him to gain knowledge about specially crafted packets that would create a DoS condition through the MMS protocol when initiating communication, achieving a complete system reboot of the device and its services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3769 represents a critical weakness in network protocol handling that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the MMS protocol implementation. This flaw exists at the intersection of network security and protocol robustness, where malformed packet data can be exploited to disrupt normal system operations. The vulnerability specifically affects devices that implement MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) protocol handling, which is commonly used in mobile communication systems and IoT devices. The root cause lies in the failure to properly validate incoming data packets before processing them, creating an entry point for malicious actors to craft specific packet structures that trigger unintended system behavior. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient data sanitization can lead to system compromise. The attack vector requires network access, meaning that an adversary does not need physical proximity to the device but can exploit the vulnerability remotely through network-based communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete system compromise through unauthorized reboot conditions. When attackers successfully craft and transmit specially formatted packets, the MMS protocol implementation fails to properly handle these malformed inputs, leading to system instability and ultimately causing complete device reboot. This DoS condition represents a severe degradation of service availability that can affect critical communication infrastructure, particularly in scenarios where continuous uptime is essential for network operations. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in cascading failures across interconnected systems that rely on the affected devices for proper communication functionality. The ability to force system reboots through network-based attacks aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks that target system availability. The impact is particularly concerning in industrial control systems, mobile network infrastructure, and IoT deployments where such disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for operational continuity and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3769 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms that can detect and reject malformed MMS packets before they reach the core protocol processing components. Network administrators should deploy packet filtering rules that can identify and block suspicious packet patterns associated with known attack signatures. The implementation of proper protocol state monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify when the system is being subjected to malformed packet attacks. Device vendors should ensure that all MMS protocol implementations include comprehensive input validation routines that check packet headers, payload structures, and data integrity before processing. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact of such attacks by restricting network access to only authorized systems. Regular security updates and patches should be applied immediately upon availability to address the underlying validation flaws. The mitigation approach should also include network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining proper logging and audit trails to support forensic analysis in case of successful attacks. These measures align with industry best practices for protocol security and help protect against similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited through similar means.