CVE-2018-15852 in TC7200.20
Summary
by MITRE
Technicolor TC7200.20 devices allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (networking outage) via a flood of random MAC addresses, as demonstrated by macof.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15852 affects Technicolor TC7200.20 network devices, representing a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to disrupt network services through deliberate flooding of random MAC addresses. This particular device model serves as a critical network infrastructure component, typically functioning as a gateway or router within residential and small office environments. The attack vector exploits the device's insufficient filtering mechanisms for MAC address traffic, creating a condition where legitimate network operations become compromised through resource exhaustion.
This vulnerability manifests as a denial of service condition that specifically targets the device's networking capabilities, effectively causing complete networking outages for connected users. The exploitation technique leverages the macof tool, which is designed to flood networks with random MAC addresses to overwhelm network switches and routers. The device's inability to properly handle or filter these excessive MAC address entries results in a cascading failure that impacts network connectivity for all users relying on the affected system. The flaw represents a classic resource exhaustion attack pattern that aligns with common network infrastructure vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network disruption, as it affects the fundamental availability of network services for end users. When the device becomes overwhelmed by the MAC address flood, it can no longer properly maintain network connections or route traffic effectively. This creates a situation where legitimate users experience complete loss of network connectivity, potentially affecting internet access, VoIP services, and other network-dependent applications. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring physical access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-400, which addresses "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption," specifically relating to insufficient input validation and resource management within network devices. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1498 category, which covers "Network Denial of Service" attacks targeting network infrastructure components. Organizations utilizing Technicolor TC7200.20 devices face significant risk of service disruption, potential financial loss from downtime, and possible reputational damage if such attacks occur in commercial or residential environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target multiple devices simultaneously, amplifying the potential impact across larger networks or service provider infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing MAC address filtering mechanisms, configuring rate limiting for MAC address table entries, and deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous MAC address flooding patterns. Device firmware updates from Technicolor should be applied immediately to address the underlying vulnerability, as these updates typically include enhanced filtering capabilities and improved resource management. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate affected devices and prevent lateral movement of attacks. Additionally, monitoring for unusual MAC address activity and establishing automated alerting systems can help detect and respond to similar attacks before they cause significant disruption to network services.