CVE-2017-3217 in LMU 3030
Summary
by MITRE
CalAmp LMU 3030 series OBD-II CDMA and GSM devices has an SMS (text message) interface that can be deployed where no password is configured for this interface by the integrator / reseller. This interface must be password protected, otherwise, the attacker only needs to know the phone number of the device (via an IMSI Catcher, for example) to send administrative commands to the device. These commands can be used to provide ongoing, real-time access to the device and can configure parameters such as IP addresses, firewall rules, and passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The CVE-2017-3217 vulnerability affects CalAmp LMU 3030 series OBD-II CDMA and GSM devices, which are widely used for vehicle telematics and fleet management applications. These devices are designed to communicate vehicle data to central monitoring systems through cellular networks, making them critical components in transportation and logistics operations. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental security misconfiguration where the SMS administrative interface lacks proper authentication mechanisms. This represents a critical flaw in the device's security architecture, as it violates the principle of least privilege and fails to implement basic access control measures that are essential for protecting industrial IoT devices.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's default configuration where the SMS interface remains accessible without any password protection. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-259 (Use of Hard-coded Password) as it exposes administrative capabilities through an unsecured communication channel. Attackers can exploit this weakness by obtaining the device's phone number through various means including IMSI catchers, which are devices that can intercept and clone cellular network signals. Once the phone number is known, attackers can send specially crafted SMS messages to execute administrative commands on the device, effectively gaining unauthorized control over critical system parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the device and enables them to manipulate core system configurations. The compromised device can be used to establish ongoing real-time access, allowing attackers to monitor vehicle movements, track driver behavior, and potentially gain access to sensitive corporate data. Attackers can reconfigure critical parameters such as IP addresses, firewall rules, and passwords, which can lead to complete system compromise and facilitate lateral movement within corporate networks. This vulnerability particularly affects the ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) techniques, as attackers can use the device to establish command and control channels and scan network services for additional targets.
The implications extend beyond immediate device compromise to include potential data breaches and operational disruption for fleet management companies. Organizations using these devices may face regulatory compliance issues under standards such as NIST SP 800-82, which emphasizes the importance of securing industrial control systems. The vulnerability also highlights the broader challenge of securing IoT devices in industrial environments where physical security measures may be inadequate. Mitigation strategies should include immediate configuration of strong authentication mechanisms, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and regular security audits of deployed IoT infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized SMS communications and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for IoT device compromises. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure default configurations and the need for comprehensive security assessments of industrial IoT deployments.