CVE-2023-5491 in Smart S45F Multi-Service Secure Gateway Intelligent Management Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Beijing Baichuo Smart S45F Multi-Service Secure Gateway Intelligent Management Platform up to 20230928. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /sysmanage/updatelib.php. The manipulation of the argument file_upload leads to unrestricted upload. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-241643. 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-2023-5491 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 vulnerability resides within the /sysmanage/updatelib.php file and stems from improper handling of the file_upload parameter, creating a path for unrestricted file upload attacks. The issue is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation, meaning attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact on system integrity and confidentiality, as unauthorized parties could upload malicious files that execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows the pattern of unrestricted file upload flaws, which are commonly categorized under CWE-434 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This weakness occurs when applications allow users to upload files without proper validation of file types, extensions, or content, enabling attackers to bypass security controls and potentially execute malicious code. The specific implementation flaw in the updatelib.php file suggests inadequate input sanitization and validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate the file_upload parameter to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp. The remote attack vector eliminates the need for local network access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for internet-facing systems that are directly exposed to external threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious files, they can leverage these to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for lateral movement attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to several techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter categories. The compromised system could serve as a command and control server, or attackers might use the uploaded files to create backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts exacerbates the risk, as organizations may remain unaware of the vulnerability for extended periods while attackers continue to exploit it.
Organizations utilizing the affected platform should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation to limit exposure, firewall rules to restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint, and comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary file upload functionality, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within their network infrastructure and ensure that all systems are updated to the latest available versions. The absence of vendor response to the initial disclosure highlights the importance of proactive security measures and the need for organizations to maintain independent vulnerability management processes rather than relying solely on vendor-provided patches and updates.