CVE-2017-5137 in Entera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on SendQuick Entera and Avera devices before 2HF16. An attacker could request and download the SMS logs from an unauthenticated perspective.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5137 represents a critical security flaw in SendQuick Entera and Avera communication devices manufactured before firmware version 2HF16. This weakness stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface, allowing any remote attacker to access sensitive SMS log data without requiring valid credentials or authorization. The affected devices operate in environments where secure communication is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on these systems for critical operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the device's failure to properly validate user authentication before serving SMS log files through its web-based management interface. When an attacker sends a specific request to the device's HTTP server, the system responds by transmitting the complete SMS log database without any access controls or session validation. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices. The vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1078.101 for valid accounts, as the flaw allows unauthorized access through legitimate system interfaces without proper credential verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as SMS logs typically contain sensitive information including communication patterns, message content, and potentially personal data of users. Organizations utilizing these devices may face regulatory compliance violations under data protection frameworks such as GDPR or HIPAA, depending on the nature of communications handled by the affected systems. The unauthenticated access to SMS logs creates a significant risk for businesses where these devices are used for customer service, emergency response, or industrial communication purposes, as attackers could potentially extract intelligence about operational procedures, user behavior, or system vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5137 require immediate firmware updates to version 2HF16 or later, which incorporates proper authentication controls and access restrictions for SMS log retrieval. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from general network access, and administrators should disable unnecessary web interfaces when not actively required for management purposes. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their network infrastructure, as similar authentication flaws may exist in other components of the communication ecosystem. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure that security improvements do not negatively impact device functionality or communication services.