CVE-2023-3264: Unveiling Hard-Coded Credentials Issue in Dataprobe iBoot PDU and Mitigation Techniques

Introduction: A significant security vulnerability has recently been found in the Dataprobe iBoot Power Distribution Unit (PDU) running firmware version 1.43.03312023 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from the use of hard-coded credentials in the internal Postgres database, which can be exploited by a malicious agent to gain control over the operating system and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Code Snippet: The hard-coded Postgres credentials can be identified within the codebase in a format similar to the following:

private static final String DB_URL = "jdbc:postgresql://localhost/";
private static final String DB_USER = "iboot";
private static final String DB_PASS = "ib00t_p4ssWRd";

These credentials provide full control over the internal database, allowing any attacker with the knowledge of these credentials and the ability to execute operating system commands on the device to manipulate database records at will.

Original References: This vulnerability has been assigned the identifier 'CVE-2023-3264' and is currently listed in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. Further information about the vulnerability can be found on the following resources:

1. CVE-2023-3264
2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) – CVE-2023-3264
3. Dataprobe iBoot PDU Security Advisory

Exploit Details: An attacker seeking to exploit this vulnerability would typically follow these steps:

1. Gain the ability to execute operating system commands on the target device, potentially through a different attack vector or vulnerability.
2. Use the hard-coded Postgres credentials to access the internal database and issue arbitrary SQL commands.
3. Manipulate the database records (read, modify, or delete) to gain unauthorized access, disrupt the operation of the device, or exfiltrate sensitive data.

It is vital to note that the successful exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the attacker's ability to execute commands on the device. This makes it crucial for administrators to focus on securing the devices against unauthorized access and other vulnerabilities that could lead to the execution of operating system commands.

Mitigation Techniques: To protect against the exploitation of CVE-2023-3264, Dataprobe has released a firmware update (version 1.44.04242023) that removes the hard-coded credentials and addresses the associated security risk. It is highly recommended for all affected users to upgrade their devices to the latest firmware version to safeguard against this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should adopt strong security practices, such as network segmentation and secure remote access, to bolster their defenses against potential attacks.

Conclusion: The CVE-2023-3264 vulnerability highlights the potential risks associated with hard-coded credentials in software, particularly in critical infrastructure devices like the Dataprobe iBoot PDU. Organizations should remain vigilant and prioritize the implementation of security best practices to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Timeline

Published on: 08/14/2023 05:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 08/25/2023 06:15:00 UTC