MC801A: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2023-25643 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in MC801A from ZTE, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected MC801A versions: MC801A_Elisa3_B19 through B19; mc801a_elisa3_b19 through b19; mc801a1_elisa1_b04 through b04. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 79% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of MC801A you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on support.zte.com.cn for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZTE | MC801A | MC801A_Elisa3_B19 through B19; mc801a_elisa3_b19 through b19; mc801a1_elisa1_b04 through b04 | Not stated |
| ZTE | MC801A1 | MC801A1_Elisa1_B04 through B04 | Not stated |
| ZTE | Mc801a Firmware | mc801a_elisa3_b19 | Not stated |
| ZTE | Mc801a1 Firmware | mc801a1_elisa1_b04 | 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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.4 | High | CNA (zte.com.cn) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
There is a command injection vulnerability in some ZTE mobile internet products. Due to insufficient input validation of multiple network parameters, an authenticated attacker could use the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands.
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
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in MC801A
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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