CVE-2020-9238 in Taurus-AN00B
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2020
Taurus-AN00B versions earlier than 10.1.0.156(C00E155R7P2) have a buffer overflow vulnerability. A function in a module does not verify inputs sufficiently. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specific request. This could compromise normal service of the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2020
The CVE-2020-9238 vulnerability affects Taurus-AN00B network devices running firmware versions prior to 10.1.0.156(C00E155R7P2), representing a critical buffer overflow flaw that undermines the device's operational integrity. This vulnerability resides within a specific module where insufficient input validation occurs, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate device behavior through crafted requests. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving legitimate user credentials and command execution through network services. The affected device architecture processes incoming requests without adequate bounds checking, enabling attackers to overflow memory buffers and potentially execute arbitrary code within the device's operational environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts specific network requests that exceed the allocated buffer space within the targeted module. This overflow condition can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can enable complete compromise of the device's operational capabilities, including potential elevation of privileges and persistent access to network infrastructure. Attackers leveraging this flaw can manipulate device configuration settings, intercept network traffic, or establish backdoor access points that persist across device reboots, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise network environments where these devices often serve as critical infrastructure components.
Operational consequences of CVE-2020-9238 can be severe for organizations relying on Taurus-AN00B devices, as the vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to network services and potentially full device compromise. The affected devices may experience denial of service conditions, configuration corruption, or complete system takeover, depending on the exploitation method employed by attackers. Network administrators face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the vulnerability may manifest through seemingly normal network traffic patterns. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for perimeter devices or those exposed to untrusted network segments. Organizations may experience service interruptions, data integrity issues, and potential regulatory compliance violations if the compromised devices handle sensitive network traffic or critical infrastructure communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9238 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 10.1.0.156(C00E155R7P2) or later, as provided by the vendor to address the root cause buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts through anomalous request patterns. Regular security audits should verify that all network devices are running patched firmware versions, and organizations should implement monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized configuration changes or unusual network behavior. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network access controls that restrict communication to only necessary ports and protocols, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust network security controls to protect against remote code execution vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure devices.