CVE-2023-51591 in ViewPower Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro doDocument XML External Entity Processing Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the doDocument method. Due to the improper restriction of XML External Entity (XXE) references, a crafted document specifying a URI causes the XML parser to access the URI and embed the contents back into the XML document for further processing. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to disclose information in the context of LOCAL SERVICE. Was ZDI-CAN-22081.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-51591 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro software that falls under the CWE-611 weakness category, specifically addressing XML External Entity processing vulnerabilities. This vulnerability exists within the doDocument method of the application's XML parsing functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to extract sensitive data without requiring any authentication credentials. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of external entity references during XML document processing, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the XML parser behavior through crafted input sequences. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability and the fact that it operates with LOCAL SERVICE privileges, potentially providing attackers with access to system resources and data that should remain protected. This issue was independently identified and tracked as ZDI-CAN-22081, highlighting its significance within the cybersecurity community. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it represents a fundamental parsing flaw that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks, including potential privilege escalation or further system compromise.
The technical implementation of this XXE vulnerability occurs when the doDocument method processes incoming XML documents without proper sanitization of external entity references. When a malicious XML document contains crafted URI references, the XML parser automatically resolves these external entities and embeds their contents back into the document structure for subsequent processing. This recursive resolution process creates a vector through which attackers can access local system resources, file systems, or network services that would normally be restricted from external access. The vulnerability specifically targets the XML parsing component of ViewPower Pro, where the application fails to properly restrict or disable external entity processing during document handling operations. This flaw operates at the parser level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional application security controls and access system resources directly through the XML processing pipeline. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since authentication is not required, and the attacker can leverage the LOCAL SERVICE context to access sensitive information that may include system configuration data, user credentials, or operational parameters. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Valid Accounts, though in this case the access is gained through a parsing vulnerability rather than credential compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51591 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems. Organizations running Voltronic Power ViewPower Pro software face significant risk of unauthorized data access, particularly in environments where these systems manage critical power infrastructure or industrial control systems. The vulnerability's ability to disclose information through local service context means that attackers could potentially access system logs, configuration files, or other sensitive data that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability affects the fundamental XML processing capabilities of the software, potentially disrupting normal operations while simultaneously providing attackers with access to system internals. The impact is particularly concerning for industrial environments where power management systems are critical infrastructure components, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into operational parameters that might be used for targeted attacks or system disruption. Organizations may experience cascading effects if attackers use the disclosed information to plan more sophisticated attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed network services. The disclosed information could potentially include system identifiers, operational parameters, or configuration details that could be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve more significant compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51591 should focus on disabling external entity processing within the XML parser configuration and implementing strict input validation for all XML document processing operations. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided patches or updates that address the XXE vulnerability in the ViewPower Pro software, as these patches typically include modifications to disable external entity resolution during XML parsing operations. System administrators should configure XML parsers to operate in secure mode that prevents loading external entities or references, effectively neutralizing the XXE attack vector. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual XML processing activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any additional XML parsing vulnerabilities within the organization's software ecosystem, as XXE vulnerabilities are commonly found in applications that process XML data. The implementation of web application firewalls or security proxies that can filter malicious XML content before it reaches the application layer provides an additional defense in depth. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure that security updates are applied promptly across all affected systems. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-611 and its exploitation pattern align with common attack vectors described in the ATT&CK framework, making it essential for security teams to understand both the technical implementation and the potential attack pathways associated with this vulnerability.