CVE-2002-0675 in xpressa
Summary
by MITRE
Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4 does not require administrative privileges to perform a firmware upgrade, which allows unauthorized users to upgrade the phone.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2002-0675 affects the Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone devices running firmware versions 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4. This represents a critical security flaw in network communication equipment that fundamentally undermines the device's integrity and security posture. The issue stems from the device's improper implementation of access control mechanisms during firmware upgrade operations, creating an avenue for unauthorized modification of critical system components.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper authentication and authorization checks during the firmware upgrade process. Specifically, the device does not enforce administrative privileges or require elevated credentials before permitting firmware installation, which violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control. This weakness allows any network-connected user to initiate and complete firmware upgrades without proper authorization, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions on sensitive operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who gains network access to the device can silently upgrade the firmware to malicious versions, potentially introducing backdoors, disabling security features, or completely compromising the device's functionality. This unauthorized modification capability enables persistent access to the network infrastructure, as the compromised device can be used for man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdropping on communications, or as a pivot point for further network exploration. The vulnerability also undermines the integrity of the entire VoIP network, as compromised phones can serve as entry points for broader attacks against connected systems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1547 Persistence mechanisms, as unauthorized firmware upgrades can establish persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate VoIP devices, disabling unnecessary network services, and implementing proper access controls. Regular firmware audits and monitoring for unauthorized changes are essential, along with ensuring that only authorized administrators can access device management interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device lifecycle management and proper vendor security practices, as this issue represents a failure in the device's security design and implementation.