CVE-2002-1501 in Smartswitch SSR8000
Summary
by MITRE
The MPS functionality in Enterasys SSR8000 (Smart Switch Router) before firmware 8.3.0.10 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via multiple port scans to ports 15077 and 15078.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1501 affects the MPS functionality within Enterasys SSR8000 Smart Switch Router devices running firmware versions prior to 8.3.0.10. This represents a significant security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt network services through a specific type of denial of service attack. The MPS functionality, which likely handles management and provisioning tasks for the router, contains a flaw that becomes apparent when subjected to multiple port scan attempts targeting specific network ports. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows an attacker to remotely crash the device without requiring any authentication credentials, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the MPS service component of the router firmware. When multiple port scans are conducted against ports 15077 and 15078, the system fails to properly process these repeated connection attempts and subsequently crashes. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses issues related to insufficient input validation, and CWE-248, which covers unexpected exceptions in software. The flaw likely occurs in the protocol handling layer where the router's management service does not adequately sanitize or limit the number of connection attempts it processes, leading to resource exhaustion or stack corruption that ultimately results in system crash.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can lead to complete network outages for organizations relying on the affected SSR8000 devices. When the router crashes, it ceases to function as a network gateway, potentially cutting off network connectivity for all devices dependent on that specific router. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where network reliability is critical for business operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access or network credentials to exploit it, making it a serious concern for organizations with exposed network infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how improper error handling can be weaponized by threat actors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement firmware updates to version 8.3.0.10 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the MPS service crash issue. Network administrators should also consider implementing access controls and firewall rules to limit access to the vulnerable ports 15077 and 15078, particularly from untrusted networks. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring network traffic for unusual scanning patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should perform regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that all network equipment receives timely security updates. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper error handling in network services and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in significant operational disruptions. The issue also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all network infrastructure components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities that could compromise entire network segments.