CVE-2023-25437
Published: 27 April 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-25437 is a high-severity Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information (CWE-319) vulnerability in Vtech Vcs754A Firmware. Its CVSS base score is 8.8 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 15.5% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis
CVE-2023-25437 affects the vTech VCS754 business phone running firmware versions 1.1.1.A through versions prior to 1.1.1.H. The flaw stems from sensitive credentials, including SIP passwords, being transmitted and exposed in cleartext within the raw HTML served by the device, corresponding to CWE-319 for cleartext transmission of sensitive information.
An authenticated attacker with low-privileged network access can retrieve the device web interface and extract the exposed credentials, enabling privilege escalation along with disclosure of information that can be used to compromise associated VoIP accounts or infrastructure. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflecting its network attack vector, low complexity, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The vendor addressed the issue by releasing firmware 1.1.1.H; the referenced technical write-up confirms that upgrading eliminates the cleartext exposure in the HTML responses. EPSS for the CVE rose from lower values to a peak of 0.0839 before receding to the current 0.0213, indicating a period of increased exploitation interest after disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-29392
Vulnerability details
An issue was discovered in vTech VCS754 version 1.1.1.A before 1.1.1.H, allows attackers to gain escalated privileges and gain sensitive information due to cleartext passwords passed in the raw HTML.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Role-based training covers secure transmission methods, mitigating cleartext transmission of sensitive data.
By requiring documented security controls for information exchanges, the control reduces the risk of cleartext transmission of sensitive data.
Mapping transmission actions in data flows helps prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive information.
Settings can enforce secure transmission protocols to prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive data.
Policy addresses secure transport and handling of media to avoid cleartext transmission of sensitive information.
Enforces safeguards against cleartext transmission of CUI when data leaves organizational boundaries to external systems.
Explicit controls and continuous oversight on external system services prevent cleartext transmission of sensitive information over provider-managed channels.
Key-establishment procedures specify secure distribution channels that preclude cleartext transmission of key material.