CVE-2022-21141 in Mimosa
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2022
MMP: All versions prior to v1.0.3, PTP C-series: Device versions prior to v2.8.6.1, and PTMP C-series and A5x: Device versions prior to v2.5.4.1 does not perform proper authorization checks on multiple API functions. An attacker may gain access to these functions and achieve remote code execution, create a denial-of-service condition, and obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2022
This vulnerability affects multiple networking device families including MMP series devices before v1.0.3, PTP C-series devices before v2.8.6.1, and PTMP C-series and A5x devices before v2.5.4.1. The core issue stems from insufficient authorization validation mechanisms within the application programming interfaces of these embedded systems. When devices fail to properly authenticate and authorize API function calls, they create pathways for unauthorized access that can be exploited by malicious actors. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model where the device assumes all incoming requests are legitimate without proper verification of caller credentials or permissions.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper access control enforcement at the API layer, allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms through carefully crafted requests. This weakness enables a wide range of malicious activities including remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged to fully compromise device functionality. The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to access sensitive system functions that should only be available to authorized administrators or system components. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control vulnerabilities, and represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture that undermines its fundamental trust model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage these API functions to execute arbitrary code remotely, effectively taking complete control of affected devices without requiring physical access or legitimate credentials. This creates significant risk for network infrastructure where these devices operate, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also enables denial-of-service conditions that can disrupt network operations and potentially cause cascading failures in connected systems. Additionally, the ability to extract sensitive information from these devices represents a data breach risk that could expose configuration details, credentials, or other confidential operational data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates to the latest supported versions, which address the authorization check deficiencies. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these API endpoints from untrusted networks. Regular security audits and monitoring of API access logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and remote code execution techniques, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network devices form critical infrastructure components. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication layers and regularly reviewing access controls to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates how embedded networking equipment often lacks proper security design principles, particularly around access control implementation. This issue highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security testing during device development lifecycle phases. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes specifically for network infrastructure devices to ensure timely remediation of discovered vulnerabilities. The affected device families represent common networking components used in various industrial and enterprise environments where the consequences of exploitation can be severe, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining overall network security posture.