CVE-2023-43074 in Unity
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Dell Unity 5.3 contain(s) an Arbitrary File Creation vulnerability. A remote unauthenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting arbitrary files through a request to the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2023
The CVE-2023-43074 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary file creation flaw within Dell Unity 5.3 storage systems that exposes organizations to significant security risks. This vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of the storage array, where insufficient input validation allows remote attackers to craft malicious requests that result in unauthorized file creation on the target system. The flaw specifically impacts the way the system processes file upload and creation operations through its REST API endpoints, creating a pathway for attackers to place malicious files in arbitrary locations within the storage environment.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in file creation requests, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and names through crafted HTTP requests. The flaw enables an unauthenticated attacker to bypass normal access controls and create files with arbitrary names and content in directories that should be protected from external modification. This arbitrary file creation capability can be leveraged to establish persistence mechanisms, deploy malware, or manipulate system configuration files that could lead to further compromise of the storage infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the web management interface components of the Dell Unity 5.3 platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file creation, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to the storage system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to create malicious scripts, backdoor files, or configuration changes that could compromise data integrity and availability. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or valid credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where storage systems are exposed to untrusted networks. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-73 and CWE-93 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which address improper neutralization of special elements used in file names and improper neutralization of special elements used in file paths.
Organizations utilizing Dell Unity 5.3 systems face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could enable attackers to compromise the entire storage infrastructure and potentially access sensitive data stored on the arrays. The attack surface is particularly concerning because storage systems often contain critical business data and are frequently targeted in advanced persistent threat campaigns. Security teams should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises and evaluate the potential for attackers to use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Dell Unity 5.3 systems, network segmentation of storage management interfaces, and implementation of strict access controls for management endpoints. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting, indicating potential for broader exploitation beyond simple file creation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual file creation patterns and ensure that storage management interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks.