CVE-2023-39394 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2023
Vulnerability of API privilege escalation in the wifienhance module. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause the arp list to be modified.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-39394 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the wifienhance module of a wireless networking system. This weakness resides in the application programming interface design and allows unauthorized users to elevate their privileges beyond normal operational limits. The vulnerability specifically affects the module responsible for managing wireless network enhancements and configurations, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate core network functions through improper access controls.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate authorization checks within the API endpoints that handle arp list modifications. The wifienhance module fails to properly validate user credentials and access permissions before executing sensitive operations. This oversight creates a direct path for privilege escalation where malicious actors can exploit the API to gain elevated privileges necessary for modifying address resolution protocol entries. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes requests to modify arp table entries without sufficient authentication verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it directly enables attackers to manipulate the network's address resolution protocol functionality. When successfully exploited, adversaries can modify the arp list to redirect network traffic, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks or network disruption. The compromised arp list can cause legitimate network communications to be intercepted or rerouted, creating significant security implications for network integrity and data confidentiality. This manipulation capability represents a fundamental breach in network security controls.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, involving local privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates poor principle of least privilege implementation and inadequate input validation within the wireless network management system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a critical risk to network infrastructure, particularly in environments where wireless network management systems control critical network operations and security policies.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate implementation of proper API access controls and authentication mechanisms within the wifienhance module. System administrators must enforce strict authorization checks before allowing any modifications to arp lists or network configuration parameters. Regular security audits of wireless network management interfaces should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses. The vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing robust authentication mechanisms and privilege separation in network management systems to prevent unauthorized access to critical network functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual arp table modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts.