CVE-2018-10093 in IP Phone 420HD
Summary
by MITRE
AudioCodes IP phone 420HD devices using firmware version 2.2.12.126 allow Remote Code Execution.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The AudioCodes IP phone 420HD represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10093, where devices operating on firmware version 2.2.12.126 are susceptible to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability exposes the device to unauthorized remote access, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials. The flaw resides within the device's network communication protocols and authentication mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point that could compromise the entire telephony infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the device's web-based management interface and SIP communication channels, which are fundamental components for voice communication and system administration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate access controls within the device's firmware. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted network packets or HTTP requests that bypass normal authentication procedures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, which represents improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-77, which deals with command injection. The attack surface includes the device's HTTP server implementation, where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized before being processed. This creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the privileges of the affected service account, typically running with elevated system permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10093 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected IP phone devices. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate call routing, eavesdrop on conversations, modify device configurations, and potentially use the compromised devices as stepping stones for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can target these devices from anywhere on the internet, making the attack surface extremely broad. Organizations relying on AudioCodes 420HD devices for voice communication services face significant risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack can be executed without requiring specialized knowledge of the device's internal architecture, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited cybersecurity expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from AudioCodes to address the identified security flaws. Organizations must also implement network segmentation to isolate telephony devices from critical business systems, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network access control lists and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to the device's management interfaces, limiting connections to authorized administrative workstations only. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify suspicious network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough network monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts and comprehensive device inventory management to ensure all affected devices are identified and patched. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that verify all connections regardless of their origin, providing additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities.