CVE-2020-25197 in Reason RT430
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2022
A code injection vulnerability exists in one of the webpages in GE Reason RT430, RT431 & RT434 GNSS clocks in firmware versions prior to version 08A06 that could allow an authenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The CVE-2020-25197 vulnerability represents a critical code injection flaw affecting GE Reason RT430, RT431, and RT434 GNSS clocks across firmware versions prior to 08A06. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of these industrial timing devices, which are widely deployed in critical infrastructure environments including power grids, telecommunications networks, and financial systems where precise time synchronization is essential. The affected devices operate as precision time sources that synchronize network equipment and critical systems, making their security paramount to overall infrastructure stability. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web-based management interface that allows authorized users to configure and monitor the GNSS clock operations, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise the entire time synchronization infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests as a code injection vulnerability within the web application layer of these industrial devices, enabling authenticated remote attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web application. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web page handling mechanisms, allowing crafted payloads to bypass security controls and directly influence the device's execution environment. The vulnerability operates through the web interface where legitimate administrative functions are processed, creating a scenario where an authenticated attacker with network access can manipulate input fields or parameters to inject malicious code that gets executed on the target system. The attack requires authentication credentials but does not necessitate physical access or specialized equipment, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access might be compromised or where credential theft is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as these GNSS clocks serve as foundational elements in time-sensitive industrial control systems and network infrastructure. When compromised, these devices can cause widespread disruption to critical operations, potentially leading to synchronization failures that affect power grid stability, telecommunications service availability, and financial transaction processing. The attack could result in time drift across connected systems, creating cascading failures that are difficult to detect and remediate. According to CWE-94, this vulnerability maps to "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" which represents a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. The potential for lateral movement within networks increases significantly as these devices often serve as time synchronization points for multiple interconnected systems, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or disrupt operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-25197 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to firmware version 08A06 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization controls that prevent code injection attacks. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices, ensuring that only authorized administrative systems can reach the web management interfaces. Additional controls include enforcing strong authentication mechanisms with multi-factor authentication, implementing network access controls through firewalls, and regularly auditing administrative access logs for suspicious activities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers would need to leverage legitimate administrative credentials to exploit the vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems, as these devices often share similar architectural patterns and security vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing of the updated firmware to ensure that the security patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network infrastructure.