CVE-2013-4877 in Wireless Network Extender
Summary
by MITRE
The Verizon Wireless Network Extender SCS-26UC4 and SCS-2U01 does not use CAVE authentication, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain ESN and MIN values from arbitrary phones, and conduct cloning attacks, by sniffing the network for registration packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2013-4877 affects the Verizon Wireless Network Extender models SCS-26UC4 and SCS-2U01, representing a critical weakness in mobile network security infrastructure. These devices serve as wireless repeaters that extend cellular coverage by forwarding signals between mobile devices and Verizon's network infrastructure, but they fail to implement proper authentication mechanisms that would normally protect against unauthorized access to sensitive telecommunication data. The absence of CAVE (Cellular Authentication and Verification Engine) authentication creates a fundamental security gap that directly impacts the integrity of mobile network communications and user privacy.
The technical flaw stems from the extender's inability to authenticate mobile devices before accepting registration packets from arbitrary phones within its coverage area. Mobile devices typically communicate with network infrastructure using ESN (Electronic Serial Number) and MIN (Mobile Identification Number) values that uniquely identify each device and its associated subscriber account. When the extender lacks proper authentication, it becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can capture network traffic and extract these critical identification values simply by monitoring the wireless communication. This vulnerability operates at the network layer and exploits the inherent trust model that should exist between legitimate mobile devices and network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass serious security threats including device cloning, unauthorized network access, and potential financial fraud. Attackers can leverage the captured ESN and MIN values to clone legitimate mobile devices, effectively impersonating authorized users and gaining access to their network services. This creates opportunities for unauthorized calls, data usage, and potentially full account compromise. The vulnerability also enables broader network reconnaissance activities where attackers can map network topology and identify target devices for more sophisticated attacks. According to CWE-310, this represents a weakness in cryptographic key generation or management, while the ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1566 for credential harvesting and T1046 for network service scanning.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate hardware-level fixes and operational security improvements. Device manufacturers should implement proper CAVE authentication protocols that verify device legitimacy before accepting registration requests, ensuring that only authorized mobile devices can establish connections through the extender. Network operators must also deploy additional monitoring systems to detect anomalous registration patterns and unauthorized device activity. Users should regularly update firmware and consider disabling unnecessary network services on affected devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing robust authentication mechanisms at all network edge devices and aligns with NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for secure network architecture design and continuous monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activities.