CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-23691NVD status: Modified

Dell PowerVault ME5: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-23691 is a high-severity inconsistent interpretation of HTTP requests vulnerability in Dell PowerVault ME5 from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version ME5.1.1.0.5 as the first without the flaw, so updating Dell PowerVault ME5 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.39% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Dell PowerVault ME5 to ME5.1.1.0.5 or a later version.
  2. Update Powervault Me5012 Firmware to me5.1.1.0.5 or a later version.
  3. Update Powervault Me5024 Firmware to me5.1.1.0.5 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  6. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
DellDell PowerVault ME5before ME5.1.1.0.5ME5.1.1.0.5
DellPowervault Me5012 Firmwarebefore me5.1.1.0.5me5.1.1.0.5
DellPowervault Me5024 Firmwarebefore me5.1.1.0.5me5.1.1.0.5
DellPowervault Me5084 Firmwarebefore me5.1.1.0.5me5.1.1.0.5

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
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
LowSome restricted data can be read.
Integrity
LowLimited modification of data is possible.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

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

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.18.1HighCNA (emc.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

Official description

Dell EMC PV ME5, versions ME5.1.0.0.0 and ME5.1.0.1.0, contains a Client-side desync Vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to force a victim's browser to desynchronize its connection with the website, typically leading to XSS and DoS.

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

The underlying weakness: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests

The product acts as an intermediary HTTP agent (such as a proxy or firewall) in the data flow between two entities such as a client and server, but it does not interpret malformed HTTP requests or responses in ways that are consistent with how the messages will be processed by those entities that are at the ultimate destination.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Use a web server that employs a strict HTTP parsing procedure, such as Apache.
  • Terminate the client session after each request.

More Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests vulnerabilities (CWE-444)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests vulnerabilities

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