CVE-2023-43261 in UR5X
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
An information disclosure in Milesight UR5X, UR32L, UR32, UR35, UR41 before v35.3.0.7 allows attackers to access sensitive router components.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43261 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Milesight industrial routers including models UR5X, UR32L, UR32, UR35, and UR41. This vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and insufficient input validation within the router firmware, specifically in versions prior to v35.3.0.7. The flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to gain access to sensitive system components that should remain protected from external exposure. The affected devices operate in industrial environments where network security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments. Such information disclosure can provide attackers with valuable insights into the router's internal architecture, configuration parameters, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weaknesses in the router's web interface and management protocols that fail to properly authenticate or authorize access requests to internal system components. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending crafted requests to the device's management interface, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining access to system files, configuration data, and potentially administrative credentials. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions to protected resources. This type of flaw often stems from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate session management within the device's web server implementation, creating pathways for unauthorized data retrieval that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-43261 extends beyond simple data exposure, as the leaked information can significantly aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks against the affected network infrastructure. Once sensitive router components are accessed, attackers can potentially identify network topology, firmware versions, and system configurations that reveal the device's operational state and security posture. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to perform targeted attacks using known vulnerabilities specific to the affected firmware versions or to conduct reconnaissance for lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where these routers serve as critical network gateways, potentially compromising entire operational technology networks that rely on these devices for connectivity and security enforcement. The exposure of internal system components can also facilitate advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43261 primarily focus on immediate firmware updates to versions v35.3.0.7 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control weaknesses. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while also deploying network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious access patterns targeting these vulnerable routers. The implementation of secure network practices including regular vulnerability assessments, network access control policies, and device hardening procedures should be enforced across all industrial network infrastructure. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the disclosed information to craft more effective social engineering campaigns or to perform additional reconnaissance activities targeting the broader network infrastructure. Organizations should also implement comprehensive network monitoring and incident response procedures to quickly detect and respond to exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting industrial control systems and critical infrastructure networks.