CVE-2024-13417 in 2N
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2025
Specifically crafted payloads sent to the RFID reader could cause DoS of RFID reader. After the device is restarted, it gets back to fully working state.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13417 represents a denial of service condition affecting RFID reader devices through specifically crafted payloads. This weakness resides in the input validation mechanisms of the RFID reader's communication processing logic, where malformed or maliciously constructed data packets can trigger system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of proper sanitization and error handling within the device's protocol parsing components, allowing attackers to exploit the system's response to malformed data. The impact is immediate and observable, as the RFID reader becomes unresponsive to legitimate operations once the malicious payload is processed. The device's behavior following exploitation aligns with a classic denial of service scenario where the system enters a non-functional state requiring manual intervention or power cycling to restore normal operations.
The technical flaw manifests in the RFID reader's failure to properly validate incoming data streams, particularly those containing RFID tag information or communication commands. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the system processes data without adequate checks for malformed or unexpected inputs. The device architecture appears to lack robust error handling routines that would normally detect and discard invalid payloads before they can cause system disruption. When the malicious payload is received, the reader's processing thread likely encounters an unhandled exception or buffer overflow condition that causes the device to halt all RFID operations. The fact that the device returns to full functionality after restart indicates that the vulnerability does not cause permanent damage to the hardware or firmware, but rather triggers a temporary system lockup that requires reboot to resolve.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-13417 extends beyond simple service interruption, as RFID readers are commonly deployed in critical access control, inventory management, and payment processing environments. In access control systems, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to disrupt security operations by causing temporary denial of access to facilities. The vulnerability also affects inventory tracking systems where RFID readers are used for automated inventory management, potentially causing significant business disruption during critical inventory operations. The requirement for device restart creates additional operational overhead, as system administrators must monitor for the vulnerability's exploitation and manually intervene to restore service. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where continuous RFID operations are essential for business continuity, making the disruption more severe than in systems where periodic restarts are acceptable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-13417 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms and error handling within the RFID reader's firmware. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of RFID readers to untrusted networks or users who might send malicious payloads. Regular firmware updates from the vendor should be prioritized to address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely has patches available to correct the input validation deficiencies. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, such as repeated malformed packets or unusual communication sequences. The implementation of intrusion detection systems specifically designed for RFID environments can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they cause service disruption. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing redundant RFID systems or backup access methods to ensure business continuity during potential exploitation events. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to service disruption and system resource exhaustion, potentially falling under the category of "System Service Hijacking" or similar denial of service tactics that target operational technology systems.