CVE-2023-45249 is a critical vulnerability affecting Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) products. This vulnerability allows remote command execution due to the use of default passwords across various builds of Acronis Cyber Infrastructure, specifically those prior to certain versions, which leaves systems exposed to potential unauthorized access and command execution.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability falls under the critical severity category, indicating that it poses a significant risk to organizations utilizing the affected Acronis products. The nature of the vulnerability allows attackers to execute commands remotely without requiring any form of authentication, making it particularly alarming.
The urgency for defenders is high, as exploitation could lead to severe consequences including data breaches and system integrity violations. Organizations using Acronis Cyber Infrastructure must prioritize patching processes as soon as updates are made available.
Currently, there are no confirmed public exploits available for this vulnerability. However, the critical nature of the vulnerability and its presence in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog emphasizes the necessity for immediate action from organizations.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-45249 states that it allows remote command execution due to the use of default passwords. The following products are affected: Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) before build 5.0.1-61, Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) before build 5.1.1-71, Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) before build 5.2.1-69, Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) before build 5.3.1-53, and Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) before build 5.4.4-132.
This vulnerability is classified as a 'Remote command execution' type, which is a serious issue. The CVSS score of 9.8 signifies that it has high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Organizations should take immediate steps to mitigate this risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the use of default passwords, which are not adequately secured. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability by accessing vulnerable systems over the network, as the attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction.
The attack complexity is classified as low, making it easier for potential attackers to exploit this vulnerability. The impacts of a successful attack include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, potentially leading to catastrophic data loss or unauthorized access.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risks associated with CVE-2023-45249 are significant, as the vulnerability allows for remote execution of commands, which could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data. Organizations utilizing Acronis Cyber Infrastructure must assess the potential blast radius of this vulnerability, as it may affect numerous systems if left unaddressed.
Given the critical severity and the known exploitation status, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Acronis Cyber Infrastructure (ACI) are as follows: 5.0.1-61 and all prior builds, 5.1.1 to 5.1.1-71, 5.2.1 to 5.2.1-69, 5.3.1 to 5.3.1-53, and 5.4.4 to 5.4.4-132. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply the necessary patches or updates as directed by Acronis. If patches are unavailable, discontinuation of the product may be necessary to prevent exploitation. Additional security measures include implementing strong password policies and regular audits of user accounts.
For continuous security validation, organizations should consider engaging in continuous penetration testing to ensure that all patches are effectively mitigating risks.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual account activities, particularly from unauthenticated users. Behavioral anomalies or unexpected command executions should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability is significant as it highlights the risks associated with default passwords across various systems. Organizations must recognize that such misconfigurations can lead to severe security breaches.
The trend of exploiting default credentials underscores the necessity for security teams to implement robust configurations and regular audits. For organizations seeking to enhance their security posture, leveraging penetration testing services can provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities.
Organizations should also stay informed about ongoing threats and vulnerabilities by following industry updates and engaging in threat intelligence sharing to foster a proactive security culture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)