CVE-2006-0375 in P202S
Summary
by MITRE
Advantage Century Telecommunication (ACT) P202S IP Phone 1.01.21 running firmware 1.1.21 on VxWorks uses a hardcoded Network Time Protocol (NTP) server in Taiwan, which could allow remote attackers to provide false time information, block access to time information, or conduct other attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2018
The CVE-2006-0375 vulnerability affects the Advantage Century Telecommunication P202S IP Phone model running firmware version 1.1.21 on the VxWorks operating system. This device incorporates a hardcoded Network Time Protocol server located in Taiwan, creating a significant security risk that extends beyond simple time synchronization issues. The vulnerability represents a critical design flaw in the device's time management infrastructure, where the manufacturer embedded a specific NTP server address directly into the firmware code rather than allowing dynamic configuration or multiple server options. This hardcoded approach fundamentally compromises the device's ability to maintain accurate time information while simultaneously creating a single point of failure and potential attack vector for malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of a hardcoded NTP server address that cannot be modified by system administrators or network operators. When an IP phone relies on a hardcoded time source, it eliminates the possibility of configuring alternative time servers or implementing redundant time synchronization mechanisms. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords or keys, and CWE-693, which covers protection mechanism failures. The compromised time synchronization capability enables attackers to manipulate the device's internal clock, potentially causing cascading effects throughout network operations that depend on accurate time stamps for logging, authentication, and security event correlation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple time manipulation as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks that exploit the predictable time source.
Operationally, this vulnerability exposes the device to several attack vectors that can severely impact network security and functionality. Remote attackers can manipulate time information to disrupt network operations, create false log entries, or interfere with security protocols that depend on synchronized time stamps. The hardcoded Taiwan-based NTP server creates a potential for denial-of-service attacks where malicious actors can block access to the time source, causing the device to either fail to synchronize or to accept incorrect time information. This vulnerability also enables man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can intercept time synchronization requests and provide false time information to the device, potentially affecting authentication mechanisms, certificate validation processes, and security event logging that requires accurate temporal context. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple devices may be affected by the same hardcoded time source, creating coordinated attack opportunities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0375 require immediate action to address the hardcoded NTP server configuration. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and establish monitoring protocols to detect time synchronization anomalies. The most effective long-term solution involves replacing the affected IP phone models with versions that support configurable NTP servers or implementing network time protocol relay mechanisms that can provide alternative time sources. Organizations should also consider implementing time synchronization monitoring tools that can detect when devices are using hardcoded time sources or when time synchronization fails. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly in the areas of configuration management and network security monitoring. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the need for proper firmware update procedures and vendor security assessments to prevent the deployment of devices with hardcoded security parameters that create inherent risks to network operations and security posture.