CVE-2023-5490 in Smart S45F Multi-Service Secure Gateway Intelligent Management Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Beijing Baichuo Smart S45F Multi-Service Secure Gateway Intelligent Management Platform up to 20230928. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /useratte/userattestation.php. The manipulation of the argument web_img leads to unrestricted upload. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-241642 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5490 represents a critical security flaw in the Beijing Baichuo Smart S45F Multi-Service Secure Gateway Intelligent Management Platform, specifically affecting versions up to 20230928. This device serves as a comprehensive security gateway solution that manages multiple services and security functions within network infrastructure, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network perimeters. The vulnerability manifests within the /useratte/userattestation.php file, which appears to handle user attestation processes, likely involving user authentication or identity verification mechanisms. The flaw stems from improper validation of the web_img parameter, which allows unauthorized file uploads without adequate restrictions on file types or content, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of unrestricted file upload attacks that fall under CWE-434, which describes the scenario where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation of file types or content. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious files with extensions such as .php, .jsp, or other executable formats that can be uploaded to the server through the vulnerable web_img parameter. Once uploaded, these files can be executed by the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The remote attack vector means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or network, enabling exploitation from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the management platform, potentially compromising the entire security infrastructure that the device is meant to protect. Given that this is a gateway device managing multiple services, successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive network traffic, configuration data, and potentially other connected systems. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts creates additional risk, as organizations may not receive timely patches or mitigation guidance, leaving them vulnerable to active exploitation. The public disclosure of the exploit (VDB-241642) further compounds the threat landscape, as malicious actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical skills. Organizations utilizing this platform should immediately assess their exposure and implement network-level mitigations, such as firewall rules blocking access to the vulnerable endpoint, while also monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts in their network traffic logs and system monitoring systems.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in authentication and user management components of network security devices. The absence of proper input validation and file type restrictions in the userattestation.php file demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments, proper code reviews, and timely patch management in security infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, file integrity monitoring, and network segmentation to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining communication channels with vendors and participating in responsible disclosure programs to ensure timely resolution of security issues before they can be exploited in the wild.