CVE-2015-5368 in lt4112 LTE
Summary
by MITRE
The HP lt4112 LTE/HSPA+ Gobi 4G module with firmware before 12.500.00.15.1803 on EliteBook, ElitePad, Elite, ProBook, Spectre, ZBook, and mt41 Thin Client devices allows remote attackers to modify data or cause a denial of service, or execute arbitrary code, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The CVE-2015-5368 vulnerability affects HP mobile communication modules integrated into various enterprise and consumer devices including EliteBook laptops, ProBook workstations, Spectre ultrabooks, ZBook workstations, and mt41 Thin Clients. This flaw resides within the Gobi 4G module firmware version 12.500.00.15.1803 and earlier releases, representing a critical security weakness in the device's cellular connectivity infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with embedded communication modules that operate with elevated privileges and maintain direct access to system resources.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified attack vectors that enable remote adversaries to compromise the integrity and availability of the affected devices. This vulnerability falls under the category of firmware-level security weaknesses that can be exploited without physical access to the target system. The affected Gobi 4G module operates at a low system level where it maintains privileged access to network communication channels and system resources, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access or system compromise. The unspecified nature of the vectors suggests potential weaknesses in authentication mechanisms, input validation, or communication protocol implementations within the firmware.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification capabilities to include complete system compromise possibilities. Remote attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code on affected devices, which represents a severe escalation from mere data manipulation to full system control. This capability allows adversaries to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt business operations through denial of service conditions. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where these devices are commonly deployed for mobile connectivity, creating potential risks for corporate networks and sensitive data transmission. The implications are especially concerning for mobile workers and remote employees who rely on these devices for secure communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5368 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from HP to address the identified vulnerabilities. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement systematic update deployment processes. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, emphasizing the need for layered defensive approaches. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and the risks associated with legacy embedded system components that may not receive adequate security updates.