CVE-2023-53772 in MiniDVBLinux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2025
MiniDVBLinux 5.4 contains an arbitrary file disclosure vulnerability that allows attackers to read sensitive system files through the 'file' GET parameter. Attackers can exploit the about page by supplying file paths to disclose arbitrary file contents on the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53772 affects MiniDVBLinux 5.4, a specialized operating system designed for digital video broadcasting applications. This system represents a critical component in various surveillance and broadcast infrastructure deployments where unauthorized access to sensitive system information could compromise entire network operations. The flaw manifests through an insufficient input validation mechanism within the web interface's about page functionality, specifically when processing the 'file' GET parameter. This parameter is intended for legitimate file retrieval operations but lacks proper sanitization and access control measures that would prevent unauthorized file access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a classic path traversal flaw that aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The system fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, allowing attackers to manipulate the 'file' parameter to access files outside of the intended directory structure. When an attacker supplies malicious file paths through the GET parameter, the application processes these requests without adequate authorization checks, potentially exposing critical system files such as configuration data, authentication credentials, or system logs. This arbitrary file disclosure vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the system may be accessible from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to gain comprehensive knowledge of the system's internal structure and configuration. An attacker with access to sensitive files could potentially identify other system vulnerabilities, extract authentication tokens or passwords stored in configuration files, or discover network topology information that could facilitate further attacks. The exposure of system logs and configuration files could reveal operational details about the broadcast infrastructure, potentially exposing proprietary information or revealing the system's operational patterns. This vulnerability particularly affects deployments where MiniDVBLinux systems are used in security-sensitive environments, as the disclosure of system information could undermine the overall security posture of the organization's surveillance or broadcast infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53772 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control measures within the web application. The most effective immediate solution involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters before they are processed, particularly by implementing strict path validation that prevents traversal outside of designated directories. Organizations should also implement proper authentication and authorization controls to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive system information. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file access operations would prevent attackers from specifying arbitrary file paths, while also ensuring that legitimate file access operations remain functional. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected system, limiting exposure to only necessary personnel and systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, indicating that the attack pattern involves extracting sensitive data through information gathering techniques. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the broadcast infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in the system architecture.