CVE-2022-23768 in NIS-HAP11AC
Summary
by MITRE • 09/20/2022
This Vulnerability in NIS-HAP11AC is caused by an exposed external port for the telnet service. Remote attackers use this vulnerability to induce all attacks such as source code hijacking, remote control of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23768 affects the NIS-HAP11AC device and represents a critical security flaw stemming from an improperly configured network service. This vulnerability specifically targets the telnet service that remains accessible through an external network port, creating an unauthenticated entry point for malicious actors. The exposed telnet service constitutes a significant risk because telnet operates without encryption, transmitting credentials and commands in plaintext format across the network. This exposes the device to various attack vectors including credential theft, unauthorized access, and potential command execution capabilities that could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in network service configuration and privilege management. The presence of an unsecured telnet service on a network-accessible port violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply connecting to the exposed port, potentially gaining root-level access to the device without requiring any authentication credentials. This scenario creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access, conduct reconnaissance activities, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform comprehensive system compromise operations. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct source code hijacking, which may involve extracting sensitive configuration files, firmware images, or application code that could reveal additional system vulnerabilities. The ability to achieve remote control of the device provides attackers with complete operational flexibility including the capacity to modify network configurations, install malicious software, or establish backdoors for continued access. This vulnerability essentially transforms the affected device into a potential command and control node within a larger attack infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves disabling or removing the telnet service entirely from the device, replacing it with secure alternatives such as SSH protocol implementations. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate critical devices from general network access, while proper firewall rules must be configured to restrict access to administrative ports. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations across the network infrastructure. Additionally, device firmware should be updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability, and access controls should be implemented to ensure only authorized personnel can access administrative interfaces. The remediation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts against exposed services. Organizations should consider adopting zero-trust network architectures that minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities occurring in the future.