CVE-2023-4885 in Open5GS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Man in the Middle vulnerability, which could allow an attacker to intercept VNF (Virtual Network Function) communications resulting in the exposure of sensitive information.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical man-in-the-middle attack vector that specifically targets virtual network functions within software-defined networking environments. The flaw enables malicious actors to position themselves between communicating VNF instances and intercept sensitive data flows, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in telecommunications and cloud environments where VNFs handle critical network operations and data processing tasks. The attack surface extends beyond simple data interception to include potential session hijacking and unauthorized access to network control planes. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of network communications, creating opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized access to network management systems and sensitive operational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic protection mechanisms within VNF communication protocols. Attackers can exploit weak or missing encryption controls to establish interception points within the network traffic flow, particularly targeting the communication channels between different VNF instances or between VNFs and network management systems. The flaw typically manifests when VNF implementations fail to properly validate certificates or implement secure communication protocols such as TLS or DTLS. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The attack vector often leverages network position control, where adversaries can manipulate traffic routing or exploit network configuration errors to place themselves in the communication path between VNF components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information exposure, creating cascading security risks throughout the network infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of network control functions, enabling attackers to manipulate routing decisions, modify network policies, or even take control of network services. The exposure of sensitive information includes authentication credentials, network configuration data, and operational parameters that could be used for further attacks within the network perimeter. Organizations may experience significant service disruption as attackers could potentially cause network outages or create backdoor access points. This vulnerability directly correlates with ATT&CK technique T1046, which covers network service scanning, and T1566, which addresses credential harvesting through social engineering, as attackers can use intercepted credentials to escalate privileges within the network.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate protection and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement mandatory encryption for all VNF communications using strong cryptographic protocols and regularly update certificate management systems. Network segmentation and microsegmentation techniques can limit the impact of successful attacks by containing compromised VNF instances within restricted network zones. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should specifically target VNF communication protocols to identify weak points in cryptographic implementations. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized network positioning attempts provides early warning capabilities. The remediation approach should include comprehensive testing of VNF implementations against known attack patterns and establishing secure communication baselines that enforce strict certificate validation and encryption requirements across all network function components.