CVE-2001-0564 in AP9606
Summary
by MITRE
APC Web/SNMP Management Card prior to Firmware 310 only supports one telnet connection, which allows a remote attacker to create a denial of service via repeated failed logon attempts which temporarily locks the card.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0564 affects APC Web/SNMP Management Cards running firmware versions prior to 310, representing a significant security weakness in network management infrastructure. This issue stems from a fundamental design limitation in the card's authentication mechanism that restricts concurrent telnet connections to a single session. The flaw exists within the card's access control implementation and demonstrates poor resource management practices that leave the device susceptible to denial of service attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it impacts critical network infrastructure components used for monitoring and managing power distribution systems in data centers and enterprise environments.
The technical flaw manifests as a connection limiting mechanism that prevents multiple simultaneous telnet sessions from being established to the management card. When an attacker repeatedly attempts unauthorized logon sequences, the system temporarily locks the card's telnet service, effectively preventing legitimate administrators from accessing the device. This behavior constitutes a classic resource exhaustion attack pattern where the attacker exploits the card's limited connection handling capabilities to disrupt normal operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1079 which addresses issues related to insufficient resource management and connection handling in network services, specifically targeting the improper handling of concurrent sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise business continuity and system availability in critical infrastructure environments. When the management card becomes temporarily inaccessible due to connection lockout, network administrators lose the ability to monitor and control power distribution systems, which could lead to extended downtime for critical IT assets. The vulnerability creates a window of opportunity for attackers to maintain persistent access to the management interface through repeated failed login attempts, effectively creating a temporary lockout condition that can last until the system is manually reset or the connection timeout expires. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks targeting management interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware upgrades to version 310 or later, which address the connection handling limitations and implement proper resource management for concurrent sessions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit telnet access to management cards, ensuring that only authorized personnel can attempt connections. Additional protective measures include configuring automatic account lockout mechanisms with reasonable timeout periods, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for repeated failed login attempts, and establishing redundant management access methods. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular firmware updates and proper security configuration management for industrial control systems and network infrastructure components that are often overlooked in traditional security assessments.