CVE-2020-8973 in TPS200 NG
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2022
ZGR TPS200 NG in its 2.00 firmware version and 1.01 hardware version, does not properly accept specially constructed requests. This allows an attacker with access to the network where the affected asset is located, to operate and change several parameters without having to be registered as a user on the web that owns the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8973 affects the ZGR TPS200 NG device running firmware version 2.00 and hardware version 1.01. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that fundamentally undermines the device's access control mechanisms. The device in question is designed for industrial or commercial monitoring applications where proper authentication and authorization are essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the device's web interface implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model.
The technical flaw manifests through the device's failure to properly validate incoming requests that have been specially constructed to mimic legitimate user sessions or administrative operations. This improper request handling allows attackers to manipulate various system parameters without undergoing the standard authentication process that would normally require valid credentials and user registration. The vulnerability can be exploited through network-based attacks where an attacker has access to the same network segment as the affected device, potentially leveraging techniques such as man-in-the-middle attacks or network sniffing to intercept and manipulate communication. The device's web interface appears to accept malformed or crafted requests that should normally be rejected due to insufficient authentication tokens or session validation, effectively allowing unauthorized parameter modifications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to perform administrative functions on the device without proper authorization. This unauthorized access could allow malicious actors to modify critical operational parameters, potentially affecting system performance, data integrity, or even physical safety in industrial environments. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor access method that bypasses the intended security controls, enabling attackers to manipulate device settings, potentially causing system malfunctions or creating security gaps that could be exploited for further attacks. The implications extend beyond simple parameter changes, as unauthorized modifications could compromise the entire monitoring or control system's reliability and security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates to address the authentication bypass issue, as well as network segmentation to limit access to the affected device to authorized personnel only. Implementing network access controls and monitoring for unusual request patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces or services when they are not actively required, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, depending on how the initial access is achieved. Regular security assessments and proper input validation implementations should be enforced to prevent similar issues in future deployments.