CVE-2014-2379 in TrafficDOT
Summary
by MITRE
Sensys Networks VSN240-F and VSN240-T sensors VDS before 2.10.1 and TrafficDOT before 2.10.3 do not use encryption, which allows remote attackers to interfere with traffic control by replaying transmissions on a wireless network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2379 affects Sensys Networks VSN240-F and VSN240-T sensors along with TrafficDOT software versions prior to 2.10.1 and 2.10.3 respectively. These devices operate within critical infrastructure environments where traffic control systems rely on wireless communications to function properly. The fundamental flaw lies in the complete absence of encryption mechanisms during data transmission, creating a significant security gap that exposes these systems to various forms of malicious interference. This weakness represents a critical failure in the security-by-design principles that should govern industrial control systems and smart transportation networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper cryptographic protection for wireless communications between traffic sensors and control systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by performing man-in-the-middle attacks or passive eavesdropping to capture transmitted data packets containing traffic control instructions. The absence of encryption means that sensitive information such as traffic signal timing adjustments, sensor status updates, and control commands are transmitted in plaintext format over the wireless medium. This exposure allows adversaries to not only monitor communications but also to actively interfere with traffic operations by replaying captured transmissions, effectively manipulating traffic flow patterns and potentially causing congestion or safety hazards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass serious safety and security implications for transportation infrastructure. Remote attackers can manipulate traffic control systems by replaying previously captured transmissions, potentially causing traffic signals to malfunction or change timing in ways that create dangerous situations for road users. The ability to replay transmissions means that attackers can repeatedly inject the same commands into the network, creating persistent interference that could lead to traffic jams, accidents, or even emergency response delays. This vulnerability particularly affects critical infrastructure where real-time traffic management systems depend on reliable wireless communications to maintain public safety and efficient traffic flow.
The weakness manifests as a violation of multiple security principles and standards including those defined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog under CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in system design. This vulnerability also aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and persistence categories, as attackers can execute malicious commands through replayed transmissions and potentially establish long-term influence over traffic control systems. Organizations operating these devices should implement immediate mitigations including firmware upgrades to versions that include proper encryption mechanisms, network segmentation to isolate critical traffic control communications, and monitoring systems to detect anomalous transmission patterns. Additionally, the deployment of network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify replay attacks and unauthorized access attempts should be considered as part of comprehensive defensive strategies to protect against this class of vulnerabilities in industrial control systems.