CVE-2023-53908
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users of HiSecOS 04.0.01 to escalate their privileges to administrative level by sending crafted XML payloads to the /mops_data endpoint. Attackers can modify their user role through NETCONF configuration manipulation, affecting all systems running the vulnerable software version.
💻 Affected Systems
- HiSecOS Firewall Software
⚠️ 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
Attackers gain full administrative control over the firewall, allowing them to modify security policies, intercept traffic, disable logging, and potentially pivot to other network segments.
Likely Case
Malicious insiders or compromised user accounts elevate privileges to gain unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data and network control functions.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and monitoring, impact is limited to the affected device with detection of anomalous privilege changes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires valid user credentials; XML payload manipulation is straightforward with published examples
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.belden.com/products/industrial-networking-cybersecurity/software-solutions/device-software/hisecos-firewall-software
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current HiSecOS version. 2. Download and apply vendor-provided patch. 3. Restart affected services or device. 4. Verify patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict NETCONF Access
allLimit access to the /mops_data endpoint and NETCONF interface to trusted administrative networks only
Configure firewall rules to restrict access to port 830 (NETCONF) and the /mops_data endpoint
Implement Role-Based Access Controls
allStrengthen user role management and implement least privilege principles
Review and tighten user role assignments; implement multi-factor authentication for administrative functions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices in separate network segments with strict access controls
- Implement continuous monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and anomalous XML requests to /mops_data
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if HiSecOS version is 04.0.01 and verify if /mops_data endpoint accepts XML role modification requestsCheck Version:
show version | include HiSecOSVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, attempt to reproduce the exploit with test credentials; verify role changes are properly validated📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual XML requests to /mops_data endpoint
- User role changes from non-admin to admin
- Multiple failed privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- XML payloads containing role modification parameters sent to port 830
- Anomalous traffic patterns to NETCONF interface
SIEM Query:
source="hisecos" AND (uri_path="/mops_data" AND xml_content CONTAINS "role")