CVE-2023-41780 in ZXCLOUD iRAI
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2024
There is an unsafe DLL loading vulnerability in ZTE ZXCLOUD iRAI. Due to the program failed to adequately validate the user's input, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to escalate local privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41780 represents a critical unsafe DLL loading flaw within ZTE ZXCLOUD iRAI software, a security solution designed for network infrastructure protection. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during the software execution process. The flaw specifically manifests when the application attempts to load dynamic link library files without sufficient verification of their source or integrity, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The ZTE ZXCLOUD iRAI platform serves as a comprehensive network security management tool that monitors and controls network traffic, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise network security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the classic unsafe DLL loading pattern where the application searches for required libraries in predictable locations without proper validation of the library's authenticity or origin. When an attacker can influence the library loading process, they can place a malicious DLL in a location that will be searched before the legitimate library, causing the system to execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the running process. This particular implementation likely involves the application's failure to use secure library loading practices such as specifying full paths or implementing proper DLL search order restrictions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-428 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, both of which address improper handling of library loading sequences in applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1546 Privilege Escalation, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can compromise the entire network security infrastructure managed by the ZTE ZXCLOUD iRAI platform. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to network monitoring data, modify security policies, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The local privilege escalation capability means that even if an attacker initially gains access through a lower-privileged account, they can elevate their privileges to system-level access, potentially allowing them to manipulate network traffic, disable security features, or exfiltrate sensitive information. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on ZTE's network security solutions, particularly those with complex network infrastructures where the iRAI platform manages critical security controls. The exploitation requires local system access but can result in significant network compromise, making it a high-risk vulnerability for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41780 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Organizations should prioritize applying vendor patches as soon as they become available, as ZTE is likely to release a security update addressing the unsafe DLL loading implementation. System administrators should implement additional security controls such as enabling Windows DEP (Data Execution Prevention) and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) to make exploitation more difficult. The application should be configured to use secure library loading practices by specifying full paths to required DLLs and implementing proper search order restrictions. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual DLL loading activities or attempts to place files in sensitive directories. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar unsafe practices in other applications, particularly those handling user input or performing system-level operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST SP 800-160 guidelines for secure software development lifecycle implementation.