CVE-2023-5702 in Vitogate 300
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability was found in Viessmann Vitogate 300 up to 2.1.3.0 and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /cgi-bin/. The manipulation leads to direct request. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-243140. 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 • 07/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5702 affects the Viessmann Vitogate 300 device firmware version 2.1.3.0 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw that exposes critical system functionality to unauthorized access. This issue resides within the web interface component of the device, specifically in the /cgi-bin/ directory where the vulnerable functionality operates. The vulnerability classification as "problematic" indicates that it presents a substantial risk to the security posture of the affected systems, particularly given that the exploit has been publicly disclosed and is potentially in active use by threat actors. The device in question serves as a gateway for heating system control and monitoring, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise building automation systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a direct request vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly access sensitive system functions through the web interface. This type of vulnerability typically stems from improper input validation or inadequate access control implementations within the web server component of the device. The exploitation involves sending crafted HTTP requests directly to the vulnerable endpoint, potentially enabling unauthorized users to execute commands, access system information, or manipulate heating system parameters without proper authorization. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to disrupt heating system operations, potentially causing physical damage to the building's infrastructure or creating safety hazards. Attackers could manipulate temperature controls, disable system alerts, or gain access to sensitive operational data that could be used for further targeting within the facility. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure attempts compounds the risk, as users have no official patches or mitigations available to protect their systems. This vulnerability represents a critical concern for industrial control systems and building automation networks, particularly in environments where physical security and operational continuity are paramount. The disclosure of this exploit creates a window of opportunity for attackers to compromise installations without detection, potentially leading to extended periods of unauthorized access and operational disruption.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected Vitogate 300 devices from critical network segments and establish monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns. The lack of vendor response necessitates proactive defensive measures including disabling unnecessary web services, implementing strict firewall rules, and conducting comprehensive network scans to identify all affected devices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures specific to this vulnerability and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing externally accessible systems and maintaining up-to-date security patches. Given the public disclosure status and lack of vendor support, organizations should also consider vendor migration or alternative security solutions for their heating system control infrastructure to ensure long-term security posture.