CVE-2023-23774
📋 TL;DR
Motorola EBTS/MBTS Site Controller devices expose a debug prompt on the serial port when encountering unhandled exceptions. This allows attackers with physical access who can trigger such exceptions to extract secret keys or execute arbitrary code. Organizations using these Motorola cellular infrastructure controllers are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Motorola EBTS Site Controller
- Motorola MBTS Site Controller
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains full control of site controller, extracts cryptographic keys, disrupts cellular service, and potentially compromises connected network infrastructure.
Likely Case
Physical attacker extracts sensitive configuration data or gains limited code execution on isolated site controller.
If Mitigated
With proper physical security controls, impact is limited to authorized personnel who might accidentally trigger the debug prompt.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires physical access to trigger unhandled exception and access serial debug prompt. No authentication needed once exception is triggered.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in available references
Vendor Advisory: Not provided in CVE description
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check with Motorola for firmware updates or security advisories. No specific patching instructions available from provided references.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Security Controls
allRestrict physical access to site controller serial ports and enclosures
Serial Port Disable/Protection
allDisable or physically secure serial debug ports on deployed devices
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical access controls to site controller locations
- Monitor for unauthorized physical access attempts to cellular infrastructure sites
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device model against affected Motorola EBTS/MBTS controllers. Physical testing required to trigger unhandled exception and check for debug prompt.Check Version:
Vendor-specific command via serial interface or management console (not publicly documented)Verify Fix Applied:
Contact Motorola for firmware update verification. Test that unhandled exceptions no longer expose debug prompt.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Serial port access logs
- Unexpected system exceptions/reboots
- Debug mode activation events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual serial console traffic patterns if monitored
SIEM Query:
Not applicable - primarily physical access detection rather than network-based