CVE-2023-5719 in Crimson
Summary
by MITRE • 11/06/2023
The Crimson 3.2 Windows-based configuration tool allows users with administrative access to define new passwords for users and to download the resulting security configuration to a device. If such a password contains the percent (%) character, invalid values will be included, potentially truncating the string if a NUL is encountered. If the simplified password is not detected by the administrator, the device might be left in a vulnerable state as a result of more-easily compromised credentials. Note that passwords entered via the Crimson system web server do not suffer from this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5719 affects the Crimson 3.2 Windows-based configuration tool, which serves as a critical component for managing security configurations on network devices. This tool operates with administrative privileges and provides functionality for defining new user passwords and downloading security configurations to target devices. The flaw specifically manifests when administrators input passwords containing the percent (%) character, creating a significant security risk that can compromise the integrity of the authentication system. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and string handling, with direct implications for access control mechanisms that rely on properly configured credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of special characters within password strings during the configuration process. When a password containing the percent (%) character is processed, the system introduces invalid values that can cause string truncation upon encountering a NUL character. This behavior represents a classic buffer over-read or string manipulation flaw that can result in unexpected credential states being written to the target device. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper string handling in security-critical applications. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue can be categorized as a weakness in input validation and data sanitization, aligning with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) classifications.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5719 extends beyond simple credential corruption, potentially creating persistent security weaknesses in network infrastructure. If administrators fail to detect the improperly configured passwords during the configuration process, devices may be left with compromised authentication mechanisms that are more susceptible to unauthorized access. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where administrative convenience is prioritized over security rigor, as the issue only occurs with passwords containing specific special characters. The risk is compounded by the fact that such password modifications are typically performed by privileged users who may not thoroughly validate the resulting configurations. Organizations relying on Crimson 3.2 for network security management could experience unauthorized access to critical systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5719 should focus on immediate patching of the Crimson 3.2 configuration tool to address the password handling implementation. Administrators must implement rigorous validation procedures for all password configurations, including manual verification of generated credentials before deployment to target devices. Network security teams should establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate compromised credentials resulting from this vulnerability. The use of automated configuration management tools with built-in input validation can help prevent similar issues in the future, while regular security audits of administrative tools should include thorough examination of input handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of potentially compromised credentials. This vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing for administrative tools and highlights the need for proper input sanitization practices that align with industry standards including those recommended by the Center for Internet Security and NIST guidelines for secure configuration management.