CVE-2014-2942 in Aviator 700e
Summary
by MITRE
Cobham Aviator 700D and 700E satellite terminals use an improper algorithm for PIN codes, which makes it easier for attackers to obtain a privileged terminal session by calculating the superuser code, and then leveraging physical access or terminal access to enter this code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The Cobham Aviator 700D and 700E satellite terminals represent critical communication infrastructure used in aviation and maritime applications where secure remote access is paramount. These devices employ a flawed cryptographic approach in their PIN code generation mechanism, creating a significant security vulnerability that undermines the intended access controls. The improper algorithm used for generating PIN codes violates fundamental security principles by producing predictable or calculable values that can be reverse-engineered by malicious actors. This vulnerability specifically targets the superuser authentication process, which serves as a critical access control point for privileged terminal sessions.
The technical flaw manifests in the implementation of a weak pseudo-random number generation algorithm or deterministic calculation method for PIN codes. When an attacker gains physical access to the terminal or establishes network access to the device, they can calculate the superuser code through mathematical analysis of the flawed algorithm. This weakness enables unauthorized privilege escalation without requiring complex attack vectors or advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability creates a direct path to administrative control of the satellite terminal, potentially allowing attackers to modify system configurations, access sensitive communications data, or disrupt critical communication services. The issue stems from inadequate entropy in the PIN generation process, which aligns with common weakness patterns documented in CWE-330, which addresses insufficient entropy in random number generators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of satellite communications. Aviation and maritime operations rely heavily on secure communication channels for safety-critical information exchange, and unauthorized access to these terminals could lead to severe consequences including flight safety risks, communication disruptions, or data breaches. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it requires only physical access or network access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such access might be compromised. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to critical communication infrastructure, potentially affecting multiple users or systems within the terminal's network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Cobham to address the flawed PIN generation algorithm, implementation of additional access controls beyond the basic PIN system, and enhanced physical security measures for terminal locations. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and implement layered security approaches that do not rely solely on PIN-based authentication. The remediation process should involve replacing the weak algorithm with a cryptographically secure random number generator that provides sufficient entropy for PIN generation. Additionally, regular security audits and monitoring of access logs should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the use of weak authentication mechanisms for unauthorized system access.