CVE-2023-38317 in OpenNDS
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2024
An issue was discovered in OpenNDS before 10.1.3. It fails to sanitize the network interface name entry in the configuration file, allowing attackers that have direct or indirect access to this file to execute arbitrary OS commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38317 represents a critical command injection flaw within the OpenNDS software version 10.1.2 and earlier. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the network interface name configuration parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary operating system commands. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes configuration files containing untrusted interface names without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious command sequences that get interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system.
This security weakness falls under the category of command injection vulnerabilities as classified by CWE-77, specifically CWE-77 and CWE-78 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw enables attackers with access to the configuration file to manipulate the network interface specification in ways that bypass normal security controls. The attack vector requires either direct access to the system or indirect access through compromised user accounts that can modify configuration files, making it particularly concerning in environments where multiple users or processes interact with system configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can execute any command available to the application process, potentially gaining root or administrative privileges, accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of OpenNDS, which is designed to provide network access control and authentication services, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-38317 should prioritize immediate patching to version 10.1.3 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization for network interface names. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and monitoring for configuration file modifications, particularly in the context of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Additional defensive measures include restricting direct file system access to authorized personnel only, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions, and conducting regular security audits of network configuration parameters. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that configuration file permissions are properly set to prevent unauthorized modifications.