CVE-2023-5984 in ION8650
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2023
A CWE-494 Download of Code Without Integrity Check vulnerability exists that could allow modified firmware to be uploaded when an authorized admin user begins a firmware update procedure.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5984 represents a critical security flaw categorized under CWE-494, which specifically addresses the download of code without integrity checking mechanisms. This weakness manifests in systems where authorized administrative users can initiate firmware update procedures, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to compromise device integrity. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation processes that should occur during firmware transfer operations, allowing unauthorized modifications to persist undetected throughout the update process.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the absence of cryptographic checksums, digital signatures, or other integrity verification methods during firmware downloads. When an administrator begins a firmware update sequence, the system fails to validate that the downloaded code matches the expected cryptographic hash or signature before proceeding with installation. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept and modify firmware packages during transmission, or to substitute malicious code for legitimate updates, all while maintaining the appearance of a legitimate administrative action.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts device security posture and can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness can install backdoors, modify system behavior, or create persistent access points within network infrastructure devices. The attack vector typically involves man-in-the-middle scenarios where network traffic is intercepted and modified, or compromised update servers that distribute malicious firmware packages. This vulnerability affects the fundamental principle of secure software delivery and can undermine trust in the entire update ecosystem.
The implications extend beyond individual device compromise to potential network-wide infiltration, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple devices rely on consistent firmware integrity for security. Organizations may face unauthorized access to critical infrastructure, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates under the guise of legitimate administrative activity, making detection and attribution significantly more challenging. Security professionals must consider this weakness in relation to ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1078 Valid Accounts and T1547 Persistent Threats, as it enables long-term persistence through firmware-level modifications.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing robust integrity checking mechanisms such as cryptographic signatures and hash verification before firmware installation. Organizations must ensure that all firmware updates undergo strict validation processes that verify code authenticity and integrity. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous update activities. Additionally, implementing secure update protocols such as HTTPS with certificate validation and maintaining air-gapped update procedures for critical systems can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of integrity checking mechanisms to prevent recurrence of similar weaknesses in future deployments.