CVE-2023-43846 in PE6208
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
Incorrect access control in logs management function of web interface in Aten PE6208 2.3.228 and 2.4.232 allows remote attackers to get the device logs via HTTP GET request. The logs contain such information as user names and IP addresses used in the infrastructure. This information may help the attackers to conduct further attacks in the infrastructure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43846 represents a critical access control flaw within the web interface of Aten PE6208 network infrastructure devices. This issue affects firmware versions 2.3.228 and 2.4.232, where the logs management function fails to properly authenticate and authorize remote HTTP GET requests. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to directly retrieve sensitive system logs through simple web requests, bypassing the intended security controls that should restrict access to administrative information. The vulnerability resides in the web application layer of the device's management interface, where proper input validation and access control mechanisms are insufficiently implemented.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks within the logging subsystem of the Aten PE6208 device. When remote attackers send HTTP GET requests to specific endpoints within the web interface, the system fails to verify the requester's credentials or privileges before returning log data. This misconfiguration creates an information disclosure vulnerability where sensitive data including user names and IP addresses are exposed to any attacker who can reach the device's web management interface. The flaw specifically affects the logs management function, which should require proper authentication and authorization before allowing access to system records. This represents a classic violation of the principle of least privilege, where sensitive operational data is accessible without proper verification of the requester's identity or permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating significant risks for network security infrastructure. The exposed logs contain user credentials and IP address information that can be leveraged for further attacks within the compromised network infrastructure. Attackers can use this intelligence to identify active users, understand network topology through IP address patterns, and potentially conduct targeted attacks against specific users or network segments. The vulnerability enables reconnaissance activities that would otherwise require legitimate administrative access, allowing attackers to map the network environment and identify potential attack vectors. This information can be particularly valuable for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to maintain long-term access or conduct lateral movement attacks within the network.
Organizations utilizing Aten PE6208 devices should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest firmware version that contains the necessary access control patches. Until such updates are available, network administrators should restrict access to the device's web management interface through network segmentation and firewall rules. Implementing strong access controls including multi-factor authentication and limiting administrative access to trusted networks can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts should be implemented. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1046 for Network Service Scanning. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to identify and alert on suspicious HTTP GET requests targeting the affected device management interface.