CVE-2014-2964 in Aviator 700e
Summary
by MITRE
Cobham Aviator 700D and 700E satellite terminals have hardcoded passwords for the (1) debug, (2) prod, (3) do160, and (4) flrp programs, which allows physically proximate attackers to gain privileges by sending a password over a serial line.
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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 applications where security and reliability are paramount. These devices serve as essential components for maintaining communication between aircraft and ground stations, particularly in remote or maritime environments where traditional communication methods may be unreliable or unavailable. The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-2964 specifically targets the authentication mechanisms within these systems, creating a fundamental security weakness that directly impacts operational integrity and safety. The affected terminals are designed for use in commercial aviation and maritime applications where secure communication channels are essential for flight safety and mission success.
The technical flaw manifests through hardcoded passwords embedded within the firmware of these satellite terminals. The vulnerability affects four specific programs: debug, prod, do160, and flrp, each serving distinct operational functions within the terminal's architecture. These hardcoded credentials are not only persistent across system reboots but also remain unchanged regardless of security policies or operational requirements. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only physical proximity to the device to exploit, eliminating the need for sophisticated network-based attack vectors. Attackers can gain unauthorized access by simply connecting to the serial line interface and sending the predetermined passwords, which effectively bypasses all normal authentication mechanisms. This represents a classic case of poor credential management and insecure default configurations that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, creating potential risks to aviation safety and mission-critical communications. An attacker with physical access to these terminals could potentially modify system parameters, intercept or manipulate communication data, or even disrupt critical flight operations. The vulnerability affects systems that may be deployed in remote locations where physical security controls are limited, making the attack surface even more extensive. Given that these terminals are used in safety-critical aviation environments, the potential for cascading failures or compromised communication channels could lead to serious safety implications. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to the integrity of the entire communication network, as these terminals often serve as gateways for critical flight data transmission.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and demonstrate clear violations of the principle of least privilege. This vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, though the initial access requires physical proximity rather than network-based reconnaissance. Organizations implementing these systems should consider the broader security implications of such hardcoded credentials, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper firmware security practices and the need for regular security assessments of embedded systems used in critical infrastructure applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from the vendor when available, though organizations may need to implement temporary physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to the serial interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential lateral movement if compromise occurs, while regular security audits should verify that no additional hardcoded credentials exist within the system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes to these critical systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure development practices and the need for comprehensive security testing of embedded systems before deployment in critical infrastructure environments.