CVE-2023-43742
CWE-287Published: December 8, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
An authentication bypass in Zultys MX-SE, MX-SE II, MX-E, MX-Virtual, MX250, and MX30 with firmware versions prior to 17.0.10 patch 17161 and 16.04 patch 16109 allows an unauthenticated attacker to obtain an administrative session via a protection mechanism failure in the authentication function. In normal operation, the Zultys MX Administrator Windows client connects to port 7505 and attempts authentication, submitting the administrator username and password to the server. Upon authentication failure, the server sends a login failure message prompting the client to disconnect. However, if the client ignores the failure message instead and attempts to continue, the server does not forcibly close the connection and processes all subsequent requests from the client as if authentication had been successful.
Risk Analysis
Zultys MX series products contain an authentication bypass vulnerability due to a failure in the authentication function's protection mechanism. An unauthenticated attacker can obtain an administrative session by ignoring login failure messages. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this administrative access flaw.
No public exploit is known, and it is not in the KEV catalog. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Upgrade firmware to version 17.0.10 patch 17161 or 16.04 patch 16109.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-43742 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-287): Authentication bypass vulnerabilities allow attackers to access protected resources without valid credentials.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-287)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-43742 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts