CVE-2022-24693 in Nova436Q
Summary
by MITRE • 03/30/2022
Baicells Nova436Q and Neutrino 430 devices with firmware through QRTB 2.7.8 have hardcoded credentials that are easily discovered, and can be used by remote attackers to authenticate via ssh. (The credentials are stored in the firmware, encrypted by the crypt function.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24693 affects Baicells Nova436Q and Neutrino 430 cellular base station devices running firmware versions up to QRTB 2.7.8. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the device firmware. The issue manifests through the inclusion of hardcoded credentials that are embedded directly within the firmware image, making them accessible to any attacker who can gain access to the device firmware or through network-based discovery techniques. These credentials are stored using the crypt function for encryption, which despite appearing to provide some level of protection, fails to prevent unauthorized access given the nature of the implementation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of authentication credentials within the device firmware itself, typically in configuration files or binary components that are not properly secured or obfuscated. The use of the crypt function for credential encryption represents a fundamental flaw in the security architecture, as the encryption method used may be weak or easily reversible, particularly when the encryption keys or methods are predictable or hardcoded. This approach violates security best practices and creates a persistent backdoor that remains active across device reboots and firmware updates, as the credentials are embedded at the firmware level rather than being dynamically generated or securely stored.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for network infrastructure security, as remote attackers can leverage these hardcoded credentials to establish unauthorized SSH sessions with the affected devices. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, or use the devices as entry points for broader network attacks. The ability to gain SSH access through hardcoded credentials provides attackers with administrative privileges, allowing them to manipulate cellular infrastructure and potentially disrupt network services or compromise data transmission. This vulnerability affects the core security posture of cellular networks, as base stations represent critical infrastructure components that require robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no sophisticated techniques or exploitation of other vulnerabilities, making it accessible to attackers with basic network reconnaissance capabilities. Organizations using affected Baicells devices should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and monitoring for unauthorized SSH access attempts. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through the use of legitimate credentials. Additionally, this issue highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper credential handling, emphasizing the need for dynamic credential generation and secure storage mechanisms rather than hardcoded values that persist across device lifecycles and security incidents.