CVE-2002-0395 in Red-M
Summary
by MITRE
the tftp server for red-m 1050 (bluetooth access point) can not be disabled and makes it easier for remote attackers to crack the administration password via brute force methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0395 affects the tftp server component of Red-M 1050 Bluetooth access point devices, representing a significant security weakness in embedded network infrastructure. This issue stems from the inability to disable the Trivial File Transfer Protocol server functionality, which creates an unnecessary network service exposure that persists even when not required for system operation. The vulnerability exists within embedded systems that were designed without proper service management controls, allowing default services to remain active regardless of administrative configuration preferences. This represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture where essential services cannot be properly controlled or disabled by authorized administrators.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the persistent activation of the TFTP server without proper authentication mechanisms or access controls. TFTP operates on UDP port 69 and typically lacks authentication, making it susceptible to unauthorized access and manipulation. The Red-M 1050 device fails to provide administrators with the ability to disable this service, forcing the system to maintain an open TFTP endpoint that can be exploited by malicious actors. This design flaw directly violates security principles of least privilege and service minimization, where only necessary services should be active on a network device. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security engineering practices where default configurations are not properly secured or configurable by system administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service exposure, creating a pathway for remote attackers to conduct brute force password attacks against the device administration interface. Since the TFTP service cannot be disabled, attackers can leverage this persistent endpoint to gain insights into the device's configuration or attempt to exploit other related services. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows for credential harvesting and password cracking attempts, potentially leading to full administrative control of the Bluetooth access point. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in environments where these devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or monitoring, as it provides attackers with an additional vector for persistent access and reconnaissance activities.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-692, which addresses incomplete mediation of dangerous features, and reflects the broader ATT&CK technique of Credential Access through Brute Force methods. The inability to disable the TFTP server creates a persistent backdoor-like condition that violates network security best practices established in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-44 and ISO/IEC 27001. Organizations deploying these devices face increased risk of unauthorized access and potential compromise of the entire network segment where the device operates. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper service management and the dangers of embedded systems that do not provide adequate administrative controls over network services, a common issue in IoT and embedded network devices of that era.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include implementing network segmentation to isolate the Red-M 1050 devices from critical network segments, deploying network monitoring tools to detect unauthorized TFTP access attempts, and applying network-level firewall rules to block TFTP traffic at the perimeter. Administrators should also consider disabling the device's TFTP functionality through any available configuration interfaces, though this may not be possible given the design limitation. Long-term solutions require device replacement with systems that properly support service disablement and provide comprehensive administrative controls over network services. Additionally, organizations should implement robust password policies and multi-factor authentication mechanisms to reduce the effectiveness of brute force attacks against administrative interfaces, while maintaining proper network monitoring to detect suspicious activity related to TFTP access attempts.