CVE-2020-8006 in Raption
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2024
The server in Circontrol Raption through 5.11.2 has a pre-authentication stack-based buffer overflow that can be exploited to gain run-time control of the device as root. The ocpp1.5 and pwrstudio binaries on the charging station do not use a number of common exploitation mitigations. In particular, there are no stack canaries and they do not use the Position Independent Executable (PIE) format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8006 affects the Circontrol Raption charging station firmware versions through 5.11.2, presenting a critical pre-authentication stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to achieve root-level execution control. This vulnerability exists within the server component of the device and represents a significant security weakness that bypasses authentication requirements entirely. The affected system components include the ocpp1.5 and pwrstudio binaries that operate on the charging station, which are specifically designed to handle communication protocols for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within these binaries, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted inputs that exceed buffer boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the call stack. This condition is particularly dangerous because it occurs before any authentication mechanisms are invoked, meaning that unauthorized actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring valid credentials. The absence of modern exploitation mitigations significantly compounds the severity of this issue. Specifically, the affected binaries lack stack canary protections, which are mechanisms designed to detect stack corruption before it can be leveraged for exploitation. Additionally, these binaries are not compiled with Position Independent Executable (PIE) format, eliminating address space layout randomization that would otherwise make exploitation more difficult by preventing predictable memory addresses for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation grants complete administrative control of the device with root privileges. This level of access enables attackers to modify charging station configurations, manipulate charging sessions, potentially disrupt power delivery to electric vehicles, and access sensitive operational data. The implications are particularly severe for electric vehicle infrastructure, as compromised charging stations could be used to cause service disruptions, enable unauthorized charging, or serve as entry points for broader network attacks. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the charging station's communication protocols, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate charging parameters, alter billing information, or even cause physical damage to the charging equipment through malicious command execution.
The lack of exploitation mitigations makes this vulnerability highly exploitable and predictable, as attackers can reliably leverage the buffer overflow to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code. The absence of stack canaries means there is no detection mechanism to prevent the overflow from proceeding, while the lack of PIE compilation removes the randomization that would otherwise complicate the exploitation process. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which describes buffer overflows that occur when data is written beyond the bounds of a stack buffer. The attack vector can be executed through network-based communication with the charging station, making it accessible to remote attackers who can send malicious payloads to the affected service ports. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions that address the buffer overflow conditions and implement proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that all affected devices are updated to the latest firmware releases that include stack canary protections and PIE compilation. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of charging station communication ports to trusted networks only. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control systems and embedded devices that may lack modern exploitation mitigations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security best practices to embedded systems, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors such as electric vehicle charging networks where device compromise can have significant operational and safety implications.