TP-Link SG105PE: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-22303 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in TP-Link SG105PE from TP-Link, 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 TP-Link SG105PE versions: firmware prior to 'TL-SG105PE(UN) 1.0_1.0.0 Build 20221208'. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.97% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 62% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of TP-Link SG105PE you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on tp-link.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | TP-Link SG105PE | firmware prior to 'TL-SG105PE(UN) 1.0_1.0.0 Build 20221208' | Not stated |
| TP-Link | Tl-sg105pe Firmware | 1.0.0 | Not 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 system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
TP-Link SG105PE firmware prior to 'TL-SG105PE(UN) 1.0_1.0.0 Build 20221208' contains an authentication bypass vulnerability. Under the certain conditions, an attacker may impersonate an administrator of the product. As a result, information may be obtained and/or the product's settings may be altered with the privilege of the administrator.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
- jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN78481846/index.htmlThird Party Advisory
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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