CVE-2023-2575
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Advantech EKI-15XX series industrial switches. Authenticated users can exploit it via crafted POST requests to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Affects EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 devices running firmware up to version 1.21.
💻 Affected Systems
- Advantech EKI-1524
- Advantech EKI-1522
- Advantech EKI-1521
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete device compromise, network disruption, or lateral movement into connected industrial systems.
Likely Case
Device crash/reboot causing network downtime, or limited code execution within device constraints.
If Mitigated
Denial of service if exploit attempts are blocked, but device remains functional.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit details and proof-of-concept code are publicly available. Requires valid credentials but exploitation itself is straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for latest patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BEBL
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from Advantech support site. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload and apply firmware update via web interface. 4. Reboot device. 5. Verify firmware version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict network access
allLimit device management interface access to trusted IP addresses only
Use firewall rules to restrict access to device management ports (typically 80/443)
Strong authentication controls
allImplement strong passwords and account lockout policies
Change default credentials
Enable account lockout after failed attempts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable devices in separate VLAN with strict access controls
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious POST requests to device management interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version via web interface (System > System Info) or CLI. If version is 1.21 or earlier, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Web interface: System > System Info. CLI: 'show version' or similar command.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is updated beyond 1.21. Test with known exploit attempts (in controlled environment) to confirm patched behavior.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login and unusual POST requests
- Device crash/reboot logs
- Buffer overflow error messages in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to device management interface from authenticated users
- Traffic patterns indicating exploit attempts
SIEM Query:
source="network_device" AND (http_method="POST" AND (uri_contains="/cgi-bin/" OR uri_contains="/goform/") AND user_agent="Mozilla" AND status_code="200")🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172307/Advantech-EKI-15XX-Series-Command-Injection-Buffer-Overflow.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/May/4
- https://cyberdanube.com/en/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-advantech-eki-15xx-series/
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BEBL
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BECT
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BED3
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172307/Advantech-EKI-15XX-Series-Command-Injection-Buffer-Overflow.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/May/4
- https://cyberdanube.com/en/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-advantech-eki-15xx-series/
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BEBL
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BECT
- https://www.advantech.com/en/support/details/firmware?id=1-1J9BED3
