CVE-2023-3263: Unmasking Authentication Bypass Vulnerability in Dataprobe iBoot PDU Firmware

Abstract

This long-read post highlights the recently discovered vulnerability with the CVE-2023-3263 identifier in the Dataprobe iBoot PDU firmware, version 1.43.03312023 or earlier. The vulnerability, which arises from authentication bypass in the REST API, can be exploited by malicious agents to obtain valid authorization tokens and access sensitive information. We'll provide a detailed overview of the vulnerability, outline the exploit's specifics, and discuss potential mitigation strategies.

Introduction

The Dataprobe iBoot Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a sophisticated device used for remote power management. The firmware, version 1.43.03312023 or earlier, has been found to contain a critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-3263) that opens the door for malicious agents to bypass authentication in the REST API. This security flaw results from the improper handling of special characters when parsing credentials. If successfully exploited, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information relating to the state of the relays and power distribution.

A Closer Look at the Vulnerability

The vulnerability lies in the REST API, specifically in the way the Dataprobe iBoot PDU firmware handles special characters when parsing credentials. This authentication bypass issue can be successfully exploited by an attacker with knowledge of the user's username but not the password. By crafting a request with specific characters in the password, the attacker can trigger an authentication bypass.

The vulnerability can be triggered using the following request

POST /rest/authentication/login
{
  "username": "affected-user",
  "password": "injected-special-characters"
}

Original References

The vulnerability was first discovered by the security researcher John Doe (pseudonym used). You can find the detailed account of the discovery and exploitation at the following URL:
- CVE-2023-3263: Dataprobe iBoot PDU Firmware Vulnerability Report

Identify the affected Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier.

2. Obtain a username for the targeted device. This can be achieved by various means, such as social engineering or leveraging other vulnerabilities.

3. Craft a malicious payload using the appropriate special characters which will trigger the parsing error leading to the authentication bypass.

4. Send the crafted request through the REST API login endpoint. On successful exploitation, a valid authorization token will be returned.

5. Use the obtained token to make authenticated requests to the REST API, and thereby gain access to information regarding the state of relays and power distribution within the PDU.

Mitigations

To protect your Dataprobe iBoot PDU devices from this vulnerability, consider the following best practices:

1. Regularly update the firmware, ensuring that you are running the latest version (preferably beyond 1.43.03312023).

Implement strict access controls on the REST API limiting the reachable surface of the device.

3. Monitor the access logs, identify unusual login attempts or patterns, and respond promptly to successful unauthorized access.

4. Educate users on the importance of strong, unique passwords and the risks associated with sharing or reusing credentials.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-3263 vulnerability in the Dataprobe iBoot PDU firmware highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest firmware versions and implementing robust security practices. By understanding the underlying issue in the authentication bypass and taking appropriate mitigative actions, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and protect their critical infrastructure from potential threats.

Timeline

Published on: 08/14/2023 05:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 08/22/2023 16:24:00 UTC