CVE-2023-43847 in PE6208
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
Incorrect access control in the outlet control function of web interface in Aten PE6208 2.3.228 and 2.4.232 allows remote authenticated users to control all the outlets as if they were the administrator via HTTP POST requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43847 represents a critical access control flaw within the web interface of Aten PE6208 network power distribution units. This issue affects firmware versions 2.3.228 and 2.4.232, where the outlet control function fails to properly validate user permissions during HTTP POST requests. The flaw allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges and gain administrative control over all connected outlets, effectively bypassing the intended role-based access controls that should separate regular users from administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege checking mechanisms within the web application layer of the device. When authenticated users submit HTTP POST requests to the outlet control endpoints, the system does not properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform actions on all outlets. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation where any authenticated user can manipulate the device's power distribution settings as if they were the system administrator.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for organizations relying on Aten PE6208 devices for critical infrastructure management. The ability to control all outlets remotely without proper authorization creates potential for service disruption, unauthorized device manipulation, and escalation to broader network compromise. Attackers could potentially cause power outages, disrupt critical systems, or gain unauthorized access to network equipment connected to the power distribution units. The impact extends beyond simple access control violations as it undermines the fundamental security model of the device's web interface.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web applications. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from Aten, network segmentation to isolate critical power distribution equipment, and enhanced monitoring of HTTP POST requests to the affected endpoints. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict user accounts to the minimum necessary privileges, implement network access controls, and establish continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to power distribution interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and privilege checking in web applications, particularly in critical infrastructure devices where unauthorized access can have severe operational consequences.