CVE-2024-42001 in VAR1200-H
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2024
An improper authentication vulnerability affecting Vonets
industrial wifi bridge relays and wifi bridge repeaters, software versions 3.3.23.6.9 and prior enables an unauthenticated remote attacker to bypass authentication via a specially crafted direct request when another user has an active session.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42001 represents a critical improper authentication flaw within Vonets industrial wireless bridge relay and repeater devices. This weakness specifically affects software versions 3.3.23.6.9 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for industrial networks that rely on these wireless communication devices. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that fail to properly validate user credentials when processing direct requests, allowing malicious actors to exploit existing active sessions without proper authorization. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for unauthorized access to industrial wireless infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific attack vector involving crafted direct requests that can bypass authentication mechanisms when another legitimate user maintains an active session. The flaw exploits the session management system by leveraging the existing session state to authenticate unauthorized access, effectively creating a session hijacking scenario. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which categorizes improper authentication issues, and specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and credential access. The attack requires minimal privileges to execute and can be performed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where network security is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can compromise the integrity and availability of industrial wireless communications. In industrial settings, these wireless bridge devices often serve as critical components in SCADA systems, process control networks, and IoT deployments where maintaining secure communication channels is essential. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially disrupt industrial operations, gain access to sensitive operational data, or manipulate network traffic between critical infrastructure components. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can target these devices from external networks without requiring physical access or prior network infiltration, significantly expanding the attack surface.
Organizations utilizing Vonets industrial wireless bridge products should immediately implement mitigations including updating to software versions that address this authentication flaw, implementing network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts or network traffic patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote authentication bypass means that standard network security measures like firewalls may not fully protect against exploitation, requiring more comprehensive security approaches. Additionally, implementing strong access controls, regular security audits, and continuous monitoring of session management systems will help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that all affected devices have been properly updated and that proper authentication mechanisms are functioning correctly to prevent future exploitation attempts.