CVE-2023-51073: Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability in Buffalo LS210D

Overview

A severe vulnerability, known as CVE-2023-51073, has been identified in Buffalo LS210D version 1.78-0.03. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the Firmware Update Script at /etc/init.d/update_notifications.sh. As such, it affects any individual or organization that uses Buffalo LS210D, particularly the specified version, in their network infrastructure. This poses a significant risk, as exploitation of this vulnerability could potentially lead to system compromise or data leakage, severely impacting the security and integrity of the affected system.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2023-51073
Severity: High (CVSS score: 8.1)
Attack Vector: Remote
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

Buffalo LS210D | v.1.78-0.03

How the Exploit Works

This exploit works by taking advantage of a flaw in the Firmware Update Script at /etc/init.d/update_notifications.sh in Buffalo LS210D’s system. An attacker, without requiring any user interaction or special privileges, can remotely send specially crafted inputs to this script. As a result, they can cause the system to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining unauthorized access or compromising the system’s data.

Conceptual Example Code

Below is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited. This example uses a shell command, as that would be the most typical method of exploiting this vulnerability:

ssh user@target.example.com 'echo "malicious_payload" > /etc/init.d/update_notifications.sh && chmod +x /etc/init.d/update_notifications.sh'

In this example, an attacker connects to the target system via SSH, then overwrite the `update_notifications.sh` script with their malicious payload. They then make the newly-written script executable, enabling the arbitrary code to be run.

Mitigation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users of Buffalo LS210D should apply the patch provided by the vendor as soon as possible. In case the patch cannot be applied immediately, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as temporary mitigation measures to detect and block any attempts to exploit this vulnerability. However, these measures should not be seen as a permanent solution, and applying the official patch should be prioritized.