CVE-2023-36748 in RUGGEDCOM ROX
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000RE (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1400 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1500 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1501 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1510 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1511 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1512 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1524 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1536 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX5000 (All versions < V2.16.0). The affected devices are configured to offer weak ciphers by default. This could allow an unauthorized attacker in a man-in-the-middle position to read and modify any data passed over to and from the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2023
This vulnerability affects a series of ruggedized networking devices manufactured by RUGGEDCOM including various models of MX5000 and RX series routers and switches. The issue stems from the default configuration of these devices which enables weak cryptographic ciphers, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these industrial networking solutions. The affected devices are all versions prior to V2.16.0, indicating this represents a long-standing configuration flaw that has persisted across multiple product lines and generations. These devices are typically deployed in critical infrastructure environments where robust security is paramount, making the presence of weak ciphers particularly concerning given their potential to compromise entire network communications.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of insufficiently strong cryptographic algorithms that are vulnerable to various attack vectors. When devices are configured to use weak ciphers by default, they become susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where an attacker positioned between the device and its communication partners can intercept, decrypt, and potentially modify data in transit. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and specifically targets the implementation of secure communication protocols in network infrastructure devices. The weakness is not limited to a single cipher suite but encompasses the overall cryptographic configuration that allows downgrade attacks to occur, enabling adversaries to force connections to use less secure encryption methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it can enable complete compromise of network communications between the affected devices and their connected systems. An attacker with man-in-the-middle capabilities can not only read sensitive information passing through these devices but can also modify data in transit, potentially causing operational disruptions, data corruption, or unauthorized access to critical systems. This risk is particularly severe in industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where these devices are commonly deployed, as the ability to manipulate communications could lead to operational technology failures or security breaches that affect physical processes. The vulnerability affects multiple device models across the RUGGEDCOM product line, amplifying the potential impact across various network segments and deployment scenarios.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading affected devices to version V2.16.0 or later, which addresses the weak cipher configuration issue. Network administrators should also conduct thorough assessments of their device configurations to ensure that strong cryptographic algorithms are properly enabled and that weak ciphers are disabled. The mitigation strategy should align with industry best practices for secure network device management and should be integrated into broader security operations procedures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks and establish continuous vulnerability management processes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic configuration in network infrastructure devices and the potential consequences of default security settings that prioritize compatibility over security.