CVE-2023-51572 in ViewPower Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2024
Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro getMacAddressByIp Command Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the getMacAddressByIP function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-21163.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2023-51572 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro software that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. This vulnerability resides within the getMacAddressByIp function, which fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into system calls. The absence of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that execute with elevated privileges. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-88, which classify command injection vulnerabilities as critical security weaknesses that allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in unsecured network environments where industrial control systems operate.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack vector where user input flows directly into system command execution without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker sends a crafted IP address parameter to the getMacAddressByIp function, the application constructs a system call using this input without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This allows malicious command sequences to be executed within the system context, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets the system call execution model where the application fails to properly escape special characters or validate input formats that could alter the intended command execution flow. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the application operates with SYSTEM privileges, meaning successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to critical industrial infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51572 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential disruption of critical power management systems and unauthorized access to industrial control environments. Organizations deploying Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro software face significant risk of unauthorized system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential operational disruption of their power infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the network, potentially affecting critical facilities such as data centers, manufacturing plants, or utility operations where such power management systems are deployed. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the system command execution capability to run malicious code. The risk is compounded by the fact that these systems often operate in environments where traditional security monitoring may be limited, making detection of exploitation more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51572 should prioritize immediate patch application from Voltronic Power, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running ViewPower Pro software, particularly restricting external access to ports and services associated with the vulnerable function. Input validation controls should be implemented at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, with particular attention to special characters that could be used in command injection attacks. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual system command execution patterns or anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection for known command injection patterns and establish baseline system behavior to identify deviations that could indicate compromise. Additionally, organizations should review and restrict the privileges of accounts that interact with the vulnerable system to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, aligning with defense-in-depth principles that reduce the attack surface and limit potential lateral movement within compromised environments.