CVE-2013-6035 in BGAN
Summary
by MITRE
The firmware on GateHouse; Harris BGAN RF-7800B-VU204 and BGAN RF-7800B-DU204; Hughes Network Systems 9201, 9450, and 9502; Inmarsat; Japan Radio JUE-250 and JUE-500; and Thuraya IP satellite terminals does not require authentication for sessions on TCP port 1827, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified protocol operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6035 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple satellite communication terminal models from various manufacturers including GateHouse Harris, Hughes Network Systems, Inmarsat, Japan Radio, and Thuraya. This weakness specifically targets the firmware implementations of these devices, creating an authentication bypass condition that exposes sensitive network services to unauthorized access. The vulnerability manifests through the lack of proper session authentication mechanisms on TCP port 1827, which serves as a communication channel for protocol operations within these satellite terminals.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient authentication requirements for network sessions operating on port 1827, allowing any remote attacker to establish connections without proper credentials or authorization. This authentication gap enables malicious actors to perform unspecified protocol operations that can ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected devices. The vulnerability affects a wide range of satellite communication equipment that relies on proprietary protocols for device management and operational control, making it particularly concerning given the critical infrastructure nature of satellite communications. The absence of authentication checks on this specific port creates an entry point for attackers to manipulate device configurations, access sensitive data, or potentially disrupt communications services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected satellite terminals. This arbitrary code execution capability allows adversaries to gain full control over the device's operational functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple manufacturers and device models, indicating a widespread issue within the satellite communications industry that could impact critical infrastructure services. Organizations relying on these satellite terminals for mission-critical communications face significant risks including potential data breaches, service disruptions, and unauthorized access to sensitive operational information.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network security. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under initial access techniques, specifically leveraging weak or missing authentication controls to establish footholds within target networks. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that it affects multiple device types across different manufacturers, suggesting a systemic issue in firmware development practices. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices, monitoring network traffic on port 1827 for suspicious activity, and applying vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device configuration management and regular security assessments of industrial control systems and communication infrastructure.