CVE-2023-30800: Heap Memory Corruption Vulnerability in MikroTik RouterOS Version 6 Web Server

MikroTik RouterOS, the popular network operating system used by enterprises and individuals worldwide, is affected by a notable security vulnerability. Discovered in the version 6 web server, this heap memory corruption issue (CVE-2023-30800) can be potentially exploited by remote and unauthenticated attackers.

In this post, we will detail the vulnerability and its impact, as well as provide information on how to mitigate the risks associated with this issue. We'll cover the code snippet illustrating the vulnerability and link to the original references. Lastly, we'll discuss the available fix and the unaffected RouterOS version 7.

Heap Memory Corruption Vulnerability

The heap memory corruption vulnerability affects the web server used by MikroTik RouterOS version 6. By sending a crafted HTTP request, a remote and unauthenticated attacker can corrupt the server's heap memory. This causes the web interface to crash and subsequently restart.

Example code snippet illustrating the vulnerability

import requests

target = "http://IP_ADDRESS/";
payload = {"param": "A" * 500}  # Crafted payload causing heap corruption

response = requests.get(target, params=payload)

Exploit Details

An attacker with knowledge of the target's IP address can send a specially crafted HTTP request to exploit this vulnerability. The request causes heap corruption in the web server's memory, leading to a crash in the web interface. Once the crash occurs, the server immediately restarts. This denial-of-service (DoS) condition can potentially disrupt normal operations and impact users relying on the web interface for management tasks.

For detailed information on this vulnerability, refer to the original references

- MikroTik Vulnerability CVE-2023-30800 Details
- National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Entry

Mitigation and Fix

MikroTik has acknowledged the vulnerability and released a fix in RouterOS 6.49.10 stable. It is highly recommended that users running RouterOS version 6 upgrade their devices to version 6.49.10 or later.

Reboot the Router when prompted

MikroTik RouterOS version 7 is not affected by this heap memory corruption issue. If you are running RouterOS version 7, no action is required, and your system remains secure from this vulnerability.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-30800 is a critical heap memory corruption vulnerability affecting the web server used by MikroTik RouterOS version 6. By exploiting this issue, remote attackers can cause denial of service conditions and disrupt normal operations. It is essential to apply the available fix for RouterOS version 6 or upgrade to the unaffected RouterOS version 7 to secure your systems against this threat.

Stay informed about security vulnerabilities and updates to maintain a secure network infrastructure and protect your valuable assets from potential breaches or disruptions.

Timeline

Published on: 09/07/2023 16:15:07 UTC
Last modified on: 09/12/2023 14:18:05 UTC