CVE-2023-7308 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function) affecting the NSFOCUS SecGate3600 firewall. The vulnerability exists because the /cgi-bin/authUser/authManageSet.cgi endpoint does not enforce authentication checks on POST requests, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to send crafted requests and retrieve sensitive information such as user identifiers and configuration details. This flaw essentially bypasses any access control mechanisms intended to protect critical management functions of the firewall. The affected version range is unspecified, implying all versions of SecGate3600 may be vulnerable. The vulnerability was first observed in exploitation attempts by the Shadowserver Foundation in June 2024, indicating active reconnaissance or exploitation in the wild. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N) reflects that the attack can be performed remotely over the network without any authentication or user interaction, with a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. The lack of authentication on a critical management endpoint exposes sensitive internal data that could facilitate further attacks or unauthorized access. No patches or mitigations have been officially published by NSFOCUS as of the current date, increasing the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-7308 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive firewall user data and configuration information. This leakage can aid attackers in mapping network defenses, identifying privileged accounts, and planning subsequent attacks such as lateral movement or privilege escalation. Confidentiality breaches could compromise internal security postures and expose sensitive operational details. While the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the information gained can indirectly facilitate more damaging attacks. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, face increased compliance risks and potential reputational damage. The ease of exploitation—requiring no authentication or user interaction—means attackers can rapidly and stealthily gather intelligence. Given the firewall's role as a frontline defense device, exploitation could undermine overall network security, making this a significant threat to European enterprises relying on NSFOCUS SecGate3600 devices.

1. Immediately restrict network access to the /cgi-bin/authUser/authManageSet.cgi endpoint using firewall rules or access control lists to limit exposure to trusted management networks only. 2. Implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general user and internet-facing networks, reducing attack surface. 3. Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor and alert on suspicious POST requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. 4. Conduct thorough audits of firewall configurations and user accounts to identify any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity. 5. Engage with NSFOCUS support channels to obtain any available patches or official mitigation guidance and apply updates promptly once available. 6. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong credential policies on all management interfaces to add layers of defense, even if the endpoint is vulnerable. 7. Maintain up-to-date asset inventories to quickly identify affected devices and prioritize remediation efforts. 8. Consider temporary compensating controls such as VPN tunnels or jump hosts for management access to reduce direct exposure. 9. Educate security teams about this vulnerability to enhance monitoring and incident response readiness. 10. Regularly review and update firewall firmware and software to mitigate future vulnerabilities.