CVE-2023-53774 in MiniDVBLinux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/09/2025
MiniDVBLinux 5.4 contains a remote code execution vulnerability in the SVDRP protocol that allows remote attackers to send commands to manipulate TV systems. Attackers can send crafted SVDRP commands through the svdrpsend.sh script to execute messages and potentially control the video disk recorder remotely.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53774 affects MiniDVBLinux 5.4, a Linux-based operating system designed for digital video broadcasting and recording applications. This system implements the SVDRP protocol as part of its remote control functionality, enabling users to send commands to manipulate television systems including video disk recorders. The flaw resides in the svdrpsend.sh script which serves as an interface for executing SVDRP commands, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by remote adversaries. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk for installations that rely on this system for automated television recording and broadcast management operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the SVDRP command processing mechanism. When the svdrpsend.sh script receives external commands through network connections, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming SVDRP parameters before executing them within the system context. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal access controls and execute with the privileges of the script's execution environment. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that operates at the application layer, leveraging the legitimate SVDRP protocol functionality to gain unauthorized system access and control over the video recording equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass full system compromise and potential disruption of broadcast services. Attackers could remotely manipulate recording schedules, access stored video content, modify system configurations, and potentially cause service interruptions that affect legitimate users. Given that these systems are often deployed in professional broadcast environments or home entertainment setups, the consequences could range from unauthorized content access to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects both the software integrity and the availability of the television recording services, creating risks for both privacy and operational continuity. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic command injection attack vector that could be classified under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-53774 should focus on immediate patching of the affected MiniDVBLinux 5.4 installations, as well as network-level restrictions to limit access to the SVDRP protocol ports. Organizations should implement firewall rules to restrict access to the svdrpsend.sh script and related network services to trusted network segments only. Additionally, network segmentation should be enforced to isolate the video recording systems from general network access, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing strict input validation mechanisms within the SVDRP processing components. Regular security audits and monitoring of network traffic for suspicious SVDRP command patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all external inputs and implementing proper access controls in embedded systems that provide remote management capabilities, particularly in environments where continuous operation and data integrity are critical requirements.