CVE-2019-12941 in Device
Summary
by MITRE
AutoPi Wi-Fi/NB and 4G/LTE devices before 2019-10-15 allows an attacker to perform a brute-force attack or dictionary attack to gain access to the WiFi network, which provides root access to the device. The default WiFi password and WiFi SSID are derived from the same hash function output (input is only 8 characters), which allows an attacker to deduce the WiFi password from the WiFi SSID.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12941 affects AutoPi Wi-Fi/NB and 4G/LTE devices prior to the 2019-10-15 firmware update, presenting a critical security weakness that enables unauthorized access through brute-force or dictionary attacks. This flaw stems from a fundamental cryptographic design flaw where both the WiFi SSID and password are generated using the same hash function with identical input parameters, specifically an 8-character input string. The security implications are severe as this predictable relationship between network identification and authentication credentials creates a direct pathway for attackers to compromise device access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-326, which addresses inadequate encryption strength, and CWE-327, concerning the use of weak encryption algorithms or improper implementation. Attackers leveraging this weakness can systematically deduce the WiFi password by analyzing the SSID, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining root access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the device's credential generation process where the same cryptographic hash function is applied to generate both the network identifier and the corresponding password. This design choice creates a deterministic relationship that violates fundamental security principles for credential management. The 8-character input space provides insufficient entropy to resist automated attack methods, making brute-force and dictionary attacks highly effective. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1110, which covers credential access techniques, this vulnerability directly enables adversaries to perform credential guessing attacks against the device's wireless network interface. The predictable nature of the hash output means that security researchers or malicious actors can reverse-engineer the input parameters to derive both the SSID and password simultaneously, creating a complete compromise scenario.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access as root access to the device enables attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify device configurations, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure. AutoPi devices are commonly deployed in industrial and IoT environments where they serve as network access points, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on these devices for critical operations. The compromise of a single device can lead to lateral movement within the network, as attackers can use the root access to pivot to other connected systems. This vulnerability also impacts the principle of least privilege, as the device's default configuration provides full administrative access without requiring additional authentication steps. Organizations using these devices may face regulatory compliance issues under standards such as NIST SP 800-53, which requires secure configuration management and access control measures to prevent unauthorized system access.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2019-12941 involve immediate firmware updates to address the cryptographic weakness in credential generation, along with manual configuration changes to establish unique and complex credentials for each device. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the necessity of using distinct, unpredictable methods for generating different types of credentials. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other IoT devices. Additionally, the incident underscores the critical need for vendors to provide timely security updates and for organizations to maintain active firmware management processes to ensure all devices receive necessary security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the broader security implications of poor cryptographic design and the critical importance of entropy in security credential generation.