CVE-2013-4732 in R189 One-Net EAS
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** The administrative web server on the Digital Alert Systems DASDEC EAS device through 2.0-2 and the Monroe Electronics R189 One-Net EAS device through 2.0-2 uses predictable session ID values, which makes it easier for remote attackers to hijack sessions by sniffing the network. NOTE: VU#662676 states "Monroe Electronics could not reproduce this finding."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4732 pertains to the Digital Alert Systems DASDEC EAS device and Monroe Electronics R189 One-Net EAS device versions 2.0-2 and earlier, where the administrative web server employs predictable session identifiers. This weakness falls under the category of insufficient entropy in session identifiers, a well-documented security flaw that significantly undermines the integrity of authentication mechanisms. The issue is classified as a session management vulnerability that directly impacts the security posture of emergency alert systems deployed in critical infrastructure environments. The predictable nature of session IDs creates a scenario where unauthorized parties can potentially guess valid session tokens through network sniffing activities, thereby gaining unauthorized administrative access to these emergency communication devices.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of session management within the web server component of these EAS devices, where session identifiers are generated using algorithms or patterns that lack sufficient randomness. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly enables session hijacking attacks without requiring sophisticated exploitation techniques or significant computational resources. The predictable session IDs allow attackers to perform session prediction attacks, where network traffic is captured and analyzed to identify valid session tokens that can be used to impersonate legitimate administrative users. This weakness is particularly dangerous in emergency alert systems where unauthorized access could lead to disruption of critical communications during emergency situations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as these devices are typically deployed in environments where reliable and secure communication is paramount. Emergency alert systems must maintain high availability and integrity, and the presence of predictable session IDs undermines the trust model of these critical systems. The vulnerability affects devices that are part of emergency response infrastructure, where the potential consequences of unauthorized access could include disruption of emergency alerts, manipulation of alert content, or complete system compromise. Network sniffing activities can easily capture session tokens, and the predictable nature of these identifiers means that attackers can quickly generate valid session requests without extensive brute force efforts.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of weak session management practices that align with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, and CWE-308, which covers use of a predictable algorithm for a security token. The vulnerability also relates to attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, where attackers can leverage predictable session identifiers to gain administrative privileges without requiring additional authentication factors. Organizations should implement proper session management practices including the use of cryptographically secure random number generators for session identifier creation and ensure that session tokens are sufficiently long and unpredictable to prevent successful prediction attacks.
The disputed nature of this vulnerability, as indicated by VU#662676, highlights the importance of proper vulnerability validation and the challenges inherent in assessing security weaknesses in specialized equipment. While the initial assessment suggests that Monroe Electronics could not reproduce the finding, the potential for such vulnerabilities to exist in critical infrastructure devices warrants careful consideration and validation efforts. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of emergency alert systems and the importance of ensuring that all components of critical infrastructure systems follow established security best practices. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their emergency alert systems and ensure that session management implementations meet current security standards to prevent exploitation through predictable session identifier weaknesses.