CVE-2023-44293 in Secure Connect Gateway-Application
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
In Dell Secure Connect Gateway Application and Secure Connect Gateway Appliance (between v5.10.00.00 and v5.18.00.00), a security concern has been identified, where a malicious user with a valid User session may inject malicious content in filters of IP Range Rest API. This issue may potentially lead to unintentional information disclosure from the product database.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2024
The vulnerability identified in Dell Secure Connect Gateway Application and Appliance versions between 5.10.00.00 and 5.18.00.00 represents a critical input validation flaw that undermines the security posture of these network access control systems. This issue manifests through the IP Range Rest API where legitimate authenticated users can manipulate filter parameters to inject malicious content, creating a pathway for unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient input sanitization and improper validation of user-supplied data within API endpoints, which aligns with CWE-20 standards for improper input validation. These gateway appliances serve as critical components in enterprise network security infrastructure, managing access control and authentication for remote users connecting to corporate networks through secure tunnels.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of REST API filter parameters within the IP Range functionality, where user input is not adequately sanitized or validated before processing. A malicious actor with a valid user session can craft specific payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms, potentially allowing them to extract information from the underlying database that should remain confidential. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages existing authenticated access to escalate privileges and achieve information disclosure without requiring additional authentication credentials. The attack vector specifically targets the API layer where user-supplied data is processed, making it a classic example of a server-side request forgery or data injection attack that can lead to unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and compromise of the entire gateway infrastructure. Organizations relying on Dell Secure Connect Gateway appliances for remote access control and network security may face significant risks including exposure of sensitive network configurations, user credentials, and access control policies. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system as it allows unauthorized data access through legitimate API endpoints that should only be accessible to authorized users. This weakness can be particularly devastating in environments where these appliances are used to manage access to critical infrastructure, as it may provide attackers with insights into network topology and access controls that could be used for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the affected API endpoints, specifically targeting the IP Range functionality. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this vulnerability, as Dell has likely released remediation measures to prevent the injection of malicious content in API filter parameters. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of compromised sessions, while monitoring and logging of API activity should be strengthened to detect anomalous behavior. The implementation of web application firewalls and API security controls can provide additional layers of protection against similar injection attacks. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify any other potential attack vectors that may be susceptible to similar input validation flaws, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper sanitization of all user-supplied data in API endpoints. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 for credential access and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat posed by such security weaknesses in enterprise network infrastructure.