CVE-2024-23630 in MR2600
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2024
An arbitrary firmware upload vulnerability exists in the Motorola MR2600. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to achieve code execution on the device. Authentication is required, however can be bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2024
The CVE-2024-23630 vulnerability represents a critical arbitrary firmware upload flaw in Motorola MR2600 wireless routers that fundamentally undermines the device's security posture. This vulnerability resides in the firmware update mechanism of the device, allowing an attacker to upload malicious firmware images that can subsequently be executed on the target system. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, meaning that successful exploitation would grant the attacker complete control over the device's operational capabilities and potentially enable further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects Motorola MR2600 models and represents a significant risk to network security infrastructure, particularly in enterprise environments where such devices often serve as critical network gateways.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication and validation controls within the firmware update process. While the device requires authentication to initiate firmware uploads, the authentication mechanism contains a bypass flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to proceed with the upload process. This represents a classic example of inadequate access control measures, which aligns with CWE-287 - Improper Authentication and CWE-434 - Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to upload a malicious firmware image that can then be executed by the device during the next reboot or update cycle, providing persistent code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple device compromise, as it creates a persistent backdoor that can be leveraged for extensive network reconnaissance and lateral movement. Once successfully exploited, an attacker can gain root-level access to the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, monitor network communications, and potentially establish persistence within the network environment. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides the foundation for executing arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The compromised device could serve as a pivot point for attacking other network segments, making it particularly dangerous in larger network infrastructures where routers often act as network boundaries and gateways.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23630 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Motorola, as well as network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network administrators should implement strict access controls for router management interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and regularly audit device configurations. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual firmware update activities or unauthorized access attempts will help identify potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and proper authentication mechanisms, emphasizing the need for robust security testing throughout the device lifecycle. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit access to critical network infrastructure, particularly those devices running vulnerable firmware versions. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in network infrastructure devices, ensuring comprehensive security coverage against similar threats.