CVE-2023-45852 is a critical vulnerability affecting the Vitogate 300 firmware version 2.1.3.0. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary commands through shell metacharacters in the ipaddr params JSON data for the put method. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk level.
With the attack vector being network-based and requiring no privileges or user interaction, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to organizations utilizing the affected firmware. The potential for unauthorized command execution poses severe implications for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The urgency is heightened as the ability to execute arbitrary commands can lead to broader system compromises.
This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-77, indicating that it relates to command injection weaknesses. The potential impact is significant, and organizations must ensure they are aware of this vulnerability and take appropriate measures.
The vulnerability was published on October 14, 2023, and has been modified since its initial disclosure. Security teams should remain vigilant as further developments may arise, necessitating adjustments in their security posture.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that in Vitogate 300 2.1.3.0, the endpoint /cgi-bin/vitogate.cgi is vulnerable, allowing for command execution via the ipaddr parameter. This vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8, indicating a serious security risk. The affected product is the Vitogate 300 firmware, specifically versions prior to 2.1.3.0.
The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-45852 lies in improper input validation within the Vitogate 300 firmware. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability through network access, utilizing crafted requests to the endpoint to execute arbitrary commands. The attack complexity is rated low, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability without needing advanced skills.
No privileges are required for attack execution, and user interaction is not necessary, further increasing the risk associated with this vulnerability. The potential for a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability makes this an attractive target for attackers.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment of the Vitogate 300 firmware poses a serious risk due to CVE-2023-45852. Organizations using this firmware must recognize the threat of unauthorized command execution and the potential for broader system compromises. The blast radius includes any systems interfacing with the vulnerable firmware, potentially resulting in significant operational disruptions.
Considering the CVSS score, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency for remediation is critical, given the potential for high-impact exploits.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability impacts the Vitogate 300 firmware version 2.1.3.0 and earlier. Organizations using these versions should prioritize updating to a patched version to eliminate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest firmware version provided by Viessmann. If a patch is unavailable, organizations should implement strict network controls to limit access to the vulnerable endpoint and monitor for any unusual activity.
For further guidance, organizations may benefit from engaging in penetration testing to assess their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any indicators of unauthorized command execution attempts. Behavioral anomalies and unusual network traffic to the Vitogate 300 firmware should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-45852 highlights the importance of proactive security measures in IoT devices. Security teams should learn from this vulnerability to enhance their defenses against similar command injection flaws.
As IoT adoption grows, the potential attack surface expands, necessitating comprehensive security strategies. Organizations should also consider implementing vulnerability management programs to continuously assess and remediate vulnerabilities.
Additionally, adopting best practices for secure coding and regular security audits can greatly reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities emerging in the future. For insights on securing IoT environments, organizations can refer to cloud security assessments and related resources.
Finally, organizations should remain informed about emerging security threats and trends through continuous education and training for their security teams.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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