CVE-2024-20070 in MT6298
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2024
In modem, there is a possible information disclosure due to using risky cryptographic algorithm during connection establishment negotiation. This could lead to remote information disclosure, when weak encryption algorithm is used, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY00942482; Issue ID: MSV-1469.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
This vulnerability exists within modem firmware where the device employs insecure cryptographic algorithms during the connection establishment negotiation phase. The flaw stems from the implementation of weak encryption protocols that fail to meet contemporary security standards, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability is classified as a cryptographic weakness that allows attackers to intercept and potentially decrypt sensitive data transmitted over the network connection.
The technical implementation involves the modem's failure to properly negotiate secure cryptographic parameters during the initial handshake process. When establishing connections, the device defaults to or accepts weak encryption algorithms such as those with insufficient key lengths or outdated cryptographic protocols. This cryptographic weakness creates a persistent exposure that can be exploited remotely without requiring any additional privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability specifically affects the cryptographic negotiation process, where the modem does not adequately validate or enforce the use of strong encryption methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote information disclosure attacks that can compromise data integrity and confidentiality. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept communications, potentially accessing sensitive information such as authentication credentials, personal data, or proprietary information transmitted over the network. The absence of requirement for additional execution privileges or user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited automatically by threat actors without any human intervention. This remote exploit capability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tactic of credential access and data theft within the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. This weakness creates an environment where sensitive data can be easily compromised due to insufficient cryptographic strength. The modem's failure to properly implement cryptographic security measures during connection establishment creates a persistent risk that affects all network communications handled by the affected device. The issue represents a fundamental flaw in the security architecture of the modem firmware, specifically in the cryptographic protocol implementation during connection negotiation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on updating the modem firmware to the patched version identified by patch ID MOLY00942482 and issue ID MSV-1469. Organizations should ensure immediate deployment of the security update to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish proper cryptographic protocol enforcement. The remediation process requires firmware updates that strengthen the cryptographic negotiation process and ensure that only secure encryption algorithms are accepted during connection establishment. Regular security assessments of network devices should be conducted to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses that could potentially create similar exposure scenarios.