CVE-2013-4860 in Ct80
Summary
by MITRE
Radio Thermostat CT80 And CT50 with firmware 1.4.64 and earlier does not restrict access to the API, which allows remote attackers to change the operation mode, wifi connection settings, temperature thresholds, and other settings via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4860 affects Radio Thermostat CT80 and CT50 devices running firmware versions 1.4.64 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in Internet of Things infrastructure. These thermostats are widely deployed in residential and commercial settings, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to manipulate environmental controls. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the device's application programming interface, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized remote access to critical operational parameters. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of access control and authentication, as the device fails to properly validate user credentials before granting administrative privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the device's API interface, which lacks proper authorization checks and authentication mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness to remotely modify essential operational parameters including heating and cooling modes, wireless network configurations, temperature thresholds, and other critical settings without requiring legitimate credentials. The unspecified vectors of exploitation suggest that the vulnerability may be accessible through multiple attack pathways including direct network connections or potentially through compromised network endpoints. This lack of specific vector documentation indicates that the vulnerability exists across multiple potential attack surfaces, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to manipulate environmental conditions in real-time. Remote modification of thermostat settings could lead to significant energy consumption increases, comfort disruption for occupants, or even potential safety hazards if critical temperature thresholds are altered. The ability to change wifi connection settings could result in network isolation of the device, preventing legitimate users from accessing or controlling their heating and cooling systems. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient authentication mechanisms in network-connected devices. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where such devices may be part of larger building automation systems, potentially allowing attackers to gain broader access to facility controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves firmware updates from the vendor to implement proper authentication mechanisms and access controls for the API interface. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical infrastructure, ensuring that even if one device is compromised, it cannot be used as a foothold for broader network attacks. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes to these devices. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as attackers could potentially use these devices as part of broader attack infrastructure. Additionally, implementing network access controls through firewalls and access control lists can limit which systems can communicate with the affected thermostats, reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access attempts.