CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-1458NVD status: Modified

EdgeRouter X: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

CVE-2023-1458 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in EdgeRouter X from Ubiquiti, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected EdgeRouter X versions: 2.0.9-hotfix.6. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 3.28% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 89% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of EdgeRouter X you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
UbiquitiEdgeRouter X2.0.9-hotfix.6Not stated
UIEdgerouter X Firmware2.0.9Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.2HighCNA (vuldb.com)
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD

Official description

A vulnerability has been found in Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X 2.0.9-hotfix.6 and classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the component OSPF Handler. The manipulation of the argument area leads to command injection. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The real existence of this vulnerability is still doubted at the moment. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-223303. NOTE: The vendor position is that post-authentication issues are not accepted as vulnerabilities.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in EdgeRouter X

All EdgeRouter X vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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