CVE-2012-1223 in RabidHamster
Summary
by MITRE
RabidHamster R2/Extreme 1.65 and earlier uses a small search space of values for the PIN number, which allows remote attackers to obtain the PIN number via a brute force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1223 affects RabidHamster R2/Extreme firmware versions 1.65 and earlier, presenting a critical security weakness in the device's authentication mechanism. This flaw resides in the implementation of the PIN-based access control system, where the firmware employs an insufficiently large search space for generating valid PIN values. The restricted entropy in the PIN generation process creates a predictable and exploitable weakness that significantly undermines the device's security posture. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in cryptographic design principles, where the mathematical properties of the PIN space are inadequate to resist automated attack methodologies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the limited cardinality of possible PIN values within the firmware's authentication framework. Attackers can systematically enumerate all potential PIN combinations through brute force techniques due to the constrained search space, typically consisting of only a few thousand possible values. This weakness directly violates security standards such as those outlined in CWE-330, which addresses the use of weak random number generators or insufficient entropy in cryptographic systems. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms without requiring physical access or sophisticated attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where devices may be exposed to external threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling full system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers who successfully brute force the PIN can gain administrative privileges, modify device configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where such devices may be deployed in critical infrastructure or connected to sensitive networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability and lack of authentication complexity requirements means that even unskilled attackers can potentially compromise affected systems, creating a substantial risk to overall network security and compliance with industry standards such as those defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1223 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the PIN generation weakness and increase the entropy of authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional access controls including network segmentation, firewall rules limiting access to affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. The remediation process must include verification of firmware versions and implementation of stronger authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication where available. Security teams should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework techniques, particularly those involving credential access and privilege escalation, as the flaw enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls and move laterally within compromised networks.