CVE-2023-38378 in SO5000 Digital Oscilloscope
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2023
The web interface on the RIGOL MSO5000 digital oscilloscope with firmware 00.01.03.00.03 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in pass1 to the webcontrol changepwd.cgi application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-38378 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the RIGOL MSO5000 digital oscilloscope series, specifically affecting firmware version 00.01.03.00.03. This issue resides within the device's web interface and exploits a classic command injection vulnerability through the webcontrol changepwd.cgi application. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected device by manipulating shell metacharacters within the pass1 parameter, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and granting full system control. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command shell, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the changepwd.cgi web application. When users attempt to change their password through the web interface, the pass1 parameter fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to system commands. This oversight enables attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command separators that allow arbitrary command execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the operating system level, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with complete control over the oscilloscope's functionality, including access to sensitive data, modification of system configurations, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other networked devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as digital oscilloscopes are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments including industrial control systems, research facilities, and manufacturing environments where they may be connected to networked systems. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially disrupt critical testing and measurement operations, access confidential data, or use the compromised device as a launching point for broader network attacks. The implications are particularly severe in environments where oscilloscopes are used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, as the compromised device could provide attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive operational data or even enable physical control over critical systems. The vulnerability also poses risks to intellectual property protection, as sensitive test data and measurement configurations could be accessed or modified by unauthorized parties.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from RIGOL when available, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and disabling unnecessary web services where possible. Network-based mitigations should include firewall rules that restrict access to the oscilloscope's web interface to trusted networks only, and the implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls and regularly monitoring system logs for unauthorized access attempts. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for industrial control systems security, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments and maintain updated incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of such critical vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those that are connected to enterprise networks and may be exposed to external threats.