Vulnerability identifier: #VU88816

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 5.9 [CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-40146

CWE-ID: CWE-77

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Smart Reader
Hardware solutions / Firmware

Vendor: Peplink

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation in the /bin/login functionality. An attacker with physical access can pass specially crafted data to the application and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Smart Reader: 1.2.0

---

External links
http://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2023-1868
http://forum.peplink.com/t/peplink-security-advisory-smart-reader-firmware-1-2-0-cve-2023-43491-cve-2023-45209-cve-2023-39367-cve-2023-45744-cve-2023-40146/47256

---

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. The attacker should have physical access to the system in order to successfully exploit this vulnerability.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.