CVE-2018-17773 in Telium 2
Summary
by MITRE
Ingenico Telium 2 POS terminals have a buffer overflow via SOCKET_TASK in the NTPT3 protocol. This is fixed in Telium 2 SDK v9.32.03 patch N.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17773 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting Ingenico Telium 2 point of sale terminals that operate under the NTPT3 protocol framework. This flaw manifests within the SOCKET_TASK component of the system's network communication stack, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the terminal's firmware implementation, specifically when processing network packets or socket operations that exceed allocated memory buffers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations that can occur when programs fail to properly validate input lengths against allocated buffer sizes. The flaw enables attackers to craft specially malformed network packets that, when processed by the vulnerable SOCKET_TASK function, cause memory corruption that can lead to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which encompasses the use of command and scripting interpreters, as successful exploitation could allow adversaries to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads on the compromised terminals.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as compromised POS terminals could serve as stepping stones for broader network infiltration within retail environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive cardholder data, manipulate transaction processing, or establish backdoor access points that persist across terminal reboots. The vulnerability affects the core communication protocols that enable terminals to interact with payment processors and network infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous in environments where terminal security is paramount. The issue impacts not only individual terminals but also the broader payment ecosystem, as compromised devices could facilitate data breaches that compromise thousands of transactions.
The vendor has addressed this vulnerability through the Telium 2 SDK v9.32.03 patch N release, which includes updated buffer management routines and enhanced input validation within the SOCKET_TASK implementation. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of this patch across all affected terminals to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additional mitigations include network segmentation of POS terminal environments, implementation of intrusion detection systems specifically monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns, and regular security assessments of payment terminal configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls that limit communication between terminals and external systems to only necessary ports and protocols, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware for payment processing equipment and highlights the need for continuous security monitoring in environments where financial transaction processing occurs.