Vitogate 300: Use of Hard-coded Password
CVE-2023-5222 is a critical-severity use of hard-coded password vulnerability in Vitogate 300 from Viessmann, 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 Vitogate 300 versions: 2.1.0; 2.1.1; 2.1.2, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 80.4% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.37% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Check which version of Vitogate 300 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viessmann | Vitogate 300 | 2.1.0; 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3 | Not stated |
| Viessmann | Vitogate 300 Firmware | 2.1.3.0 and earlier | 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 | 6.3 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.8 | Medium | CNA (vuldb.com) |
Official description
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Viessmann Vitogate 300 up to 2.1.3.0. This vulnerability affects the function isValidUser of the file /cgi-bin/vitogate.cgi of the component Web Management Interface. The manipulation leads to use of hard-coded password. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-240364. NOTE: The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Password
The product contains a hard-coded password, which it uses for its own inbound authentication or for outbound authentication to external components.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For outbound authentication: store passwords outside of the code in a strongly-protected, encrypted configuration file or database that is protected from access by all outsiders, including other local users on the same system. Properly protect the key (CWE-320). If you cannot use encryption to protect the file, then make sure that the permissions are as restrictive as possible.
- For inbound authentication: Rather than hard-code a default username and password for first time logins, utilize a first login mode that requires the user to enter a unique strong password.
- Perform access control checks and limit which entities can access the feature that requires the hard-coded password. For example, a feature might only be enabled through the system console instead of through a network connection.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- vuldb.com/?ctiid.240364Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vuldb.com/?id.240364Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/Push3AX/vul/blob/main/viessmann/Vitogate300_HardcodedPassword.mdExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Vitogate 300
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
Recent Use of Hard-coded Password vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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