CVE-2023-46272
📋 TL;DR
A buffer overflow vulnerability in Extreme Networks IQ Engine's ah_auth service allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This affects IQ Engine versions before 10.6r1a and versions 10.6r1 through 10.6r4. Organizations using these vulnerable versions are at risk of complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Extreme Networks IQ Engine
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining root/administrative privileges, installing persistent backdoors, pivoting to other systems, and exfiltrating sensitive data.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to service disruption, data theft, or ransomware deployment on vulnerable systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to the ah_auth service. The ZDI advisory suggests authentication may be required, but this isn't explicitly confirmed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.6r5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://extreme-networks.my.site.com/ExtrArticleDetail?an=000115355&q=CVE-2023-46272
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download IQ Engine version 10.6r5 or later from Extreme Networks support portal. 2. Follow Extreme Networks' upgrade documentation for your specific deployment. 3. Verify the upgrade completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
allRestrict network access to the ah_auth service using firewall rules or network segmentation
Service Disablement
allDisable the ah_auth service if not required for your deployment
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate vulnerable systems
- Deploy intrusion prevention systems with signatures for buffer overflow attacks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check IQ Engine version via web interface or CLI. If version is before 10.6r1a or between 10.6r1 and 10.6r4, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via IQ Engine web interface or consult Extreme Networks documentation for CLI commands specific to your deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify IQ Engine version is 10.6r5 or later and test ah_auth service functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual authentication attempts to ah_auth service
- Process crashes or abnormal restarts of ah_auth service
- Unusual network connections from IQ Engine system
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to ah_auth service port
- Buffer overflow attack patterns in network traffic
SIEM Query:
source="iq-engine" AND (process="ah_auth" AND (event="crash" OR event="restart")) OR (destination_port="ah_auth_port" AND pattern="buffer_overflow_indicators")