CVE-2024-0568 in Harmony Control Relay RMNF22TB30
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
CWE-287: Improper Authentication vulnerability exists that could cause unauthorized tampering of device configuration over NFC communication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0568 represents a critical improper authentication flaw classified under CWE-287 within the context of NFC-based device configuration management. This weakness specifically affects systems that utilize near field communication protocols for administrative operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate device settings without proper authorization. The vulnerability stems from insufficient verification mechanisms during NFC communication sessions, allowing attackers to exploit the authentication process and gain unauthorized access to configuration interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the failure to properly validate user credentials or device authenticity during NFC transactions. When devices communicate over NFC for configuration updates or administrative tasks, the system should authenticate both the initiating device and the operator before permitting any changes to be applied. However, the current implementation lacks robust authentication checks that would normally verify the legitimacy of the NFC connection and the identity of the user performing the administrative action. This weakness creates a scenario where an attacker with physical proximity to the device could potentially execute configuration changes simply by establishing an NFC connection, bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0568 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers could manipulate critical device parameters such as network settings, security configurations, access controls, or operational parameters that could fundamentally alter how the device functions. The vulnerability particularly concerns devices that rely heavily on NFC for maintenance and configuration tasks, including industrial control systems, medical devices, or IoT infrastructure where unauthorized configuration changes could lead to service disruption, security breaches, or even physical safety risks. The attack surface is further expanded by the inherent properties of NFC technology, which requires minimal physical proximity for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where unauthorized physical access might be possible.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion through physical access methods. The vulnerability aligns with tactics that leverage physical proximity attacks and configuration manipulation to establish persistent access or cause system instability. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing stronger authentication mechanisms for NFC communications, including multi-factor authentication requirements, cryptographic verification of device identities, and secure session management protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and establishing secure device provisioning processes that do not rely solely on NFC for administrative access. Additionally, regular security assessments should evaluate the effectiveness of authentication mechanisms in physical access scenarios, particularly for devices that support NFC-based administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of treating physical access methods with the same security rigor as network-based access controls, as NFC communication can provide attackers with direct pathways to device configuration interfaces without traditional network-based authentication barriers.