CVE-2022-31460 in Meeting Owl
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2022
Owl Labs Meeting Owl 5.2.0.15 allows attackers to activate Tethering Mode with hard-coded hoothoot credentials via a certain c 150 value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31460 affects Owl Labs Meeting Owl devices running firmware version 5.2.0.15 and potentially earlier versions. This security flaw resides in the device's network configuration capabilities, specifically within the tethering mode activation mechanism. The issue stems from the presence of hard-coded credentials that are embedded within the device firmware, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability manifests when attackers manipulate a specific parameter value, designated as c 150, to trigger the activation of tethering mode without proper authentication. This represents a critical design flaw in the device's access control implementation, as it bypasses normal authentication procedures and grants unauthorized network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded credential mechanism that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The hard-coded hoothoot credentials function as a backdoor mechanism that allows attackers to gain privileged access to the device's network configuration capabilities. When the c 150 parameter reaches a specific value, the device's firmware interprets this as a valid command to enable tethering mode, effectively bypassing all standard authentication checks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications, and CWE-259, concerning weak password requirements. The attack vector operates through network-based exploitation, where remote attackers can manipulate device parameters to achieve unauthorized access to the device's networking functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to establish persistent network connections and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure that the device connects to. Once tethering mode is activated, attackers can gain control over network traffic routing, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, or further network reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly without requiring additional authentication or discovery phases. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, as attackers may use the compromised device to redirect network traffic. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where such devices may serve as network entry points for broader attacks, potentially enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation within the organization's network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31460 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Owl Labs, as this represents the most effective solution to address the hard-coded credential implementation. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual tethering mode activation patterns and establish strict access controls for device management interfaces. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate devices that may be vulnerable to this attack, preventing lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure development practices and the implementation of dynamic credential generation rather than hard-coded values. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all networked devices to identify similar hard-coded credential implementations, as this represents a common pattern in embedded systems development. Additionally, implementing network access controls and firewall rules to restrict communication with affected devices can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.