CVE-2023-45852 in Vitogate 300
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In Vitogate 300 2.1.3.0, /cgi-bin/vitogate.cgi allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the ipaddr params JSON data for the put method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45852 affects the Vitogate 300 device firmware version 2.1.3.0, specifically within the /cgi-bin/vitogate.cgi component that handles HTTP PUT requests. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected device without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of the ipaddr parameter within the JSON data structure submitted through the PUT method, creating a path for command injection attacks that can be exploited from an unauthenticated remote position.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the ipaddr parameter through JSON data submitted to the cgi-bin endpoint, where shell metacharacters are not properly escaped or filtered before being processed by the underlying system. This creates a command injection vector that enables attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions on the device. The vulnerability specifically targets the PUT method handling within the vitogate.cgi script, which processes configuration data and network settings, making it a critical attack surface for remote code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to industrial control systems and building automation environments where Vitogate devices are deployed. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can gain full remote access to the device without requiring any prior credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical building management functions. The impact extends beyond simple command execution to include potential lateral movement within network segments where such devices operate, as these systems often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-77 and CWE-78, which specifically address command injection flaws in software systems. The attack vector aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.004 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the system's own authentication bypass to execute malicious commands. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, firewall rules blocking access to the vulnerable cgi-bin endpoint, and disabling unnecessary network services on affected devices. The recommended remediation involves updating to a patched firmware version that properly sanitizes input parameters and implements proper authentication checks for all administrative endpoints, while also conducting thorough network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.