CVE-2024-13872 in Box
Summary
by MITRE • 03/12/2025
Bitdefender Box, versions 1.3.11.490 through 1.3.11.505, uses the insecure HTTP protocol to download assets over the Internet to update and restart daemons and detection rules on the devices. Updates can be remotely triggered through the /set_temp_token API method. Then, an unauthenticated and network-adjacent attacker can use man-in-the-middle (MITM) techniques to return malicious responses. Restarted daemons that use malicious assets can then be exploited for remote code execution on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13872 affects Bitdefender Box devices running firmware versions 1.3.11.490 through 1.3.11.505, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from the device's reliance on the insecure HTTP protocol for downloading essential assets including updates and detection rules. This fundamental design decision creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries with network access to the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for remote code execution through a combination of insecure communication channels and improper access controls within the device's update mechanism.
The technical flaw manifests through the device's use of HTTP instead of HTTPS for all asset downloads, which creates opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can intercept and modify the communication between the device and update servers. The /set_temp_token API method serves as an entry point that allows unauthenticated access to trigger the update process, eliminating any form of authentication or authorization checks that should normally be required for system modification. This API endpoint becomes the primary attack vector because it enables attackers to initiate the vulnerable update sequence without requiring legitimate credentials or privileges. The combination of insecure HTTP communications and the lack of authentication for update triggers creates a perfect storm for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows attackers to achieve full remote code execution capabilities on affected devices. When malicious assets are downloaded and executed through the restarted daemons, attackers can gain complete control over the device's operations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, or use of the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the core security functionality of the device, as the very mechanisms designed to protect against threats can be subverted to enable attacks. This represents a classic case of a device's security infrastructure being compromised through its own update mechanisms, creating a dangerous situation where the security solution becomes the security threat.
The attack pattern follows a well-established methodology that aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering or network attacks. The vulnerability specifically maps to CWE-319 for exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and CWE-287 for improper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices, disable unnecessary network access to the device, and consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious update activities. The most effective immediate mitigation involves upgrading to firmware versions that address this vulnerability, implementing HTTPS enforcement for all communications, and ensuring that API endpoints require proper authentication before allowing update initiation. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious HTTP traffic patterns associated with this attack vector, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple network interception techniques that do not require sophisticated attack capabilities.