CVE-2024-4231 in DG-GR1321
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
This vulnerability exists in Digisol Router (DG-GR1321: Hardware version 3.7L; Firmware version : v3.2.02) due to presence of root terminal access on a serial interface without proper access control. An attacker with physical access could exploit this by identifying UART pins and accessing the root shell on the vulnerable system.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow the attacker to access the sensitive information on the targeted system.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2024
This vulnerability in the Digisol DG-GR1321 router represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate physical security measures and improper access control implementation. The device exposes a root terminal access point through its serial interface without requiring any authentication mechanisms, creating an inherent backdoor that bypasses all normal security protocols. This design flaw allows attackers with physical access to directly connect to the UART pins and gain unrestricted root shell access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the hardware level and can be exploited regardless of network-based security measures or software firewalls that might otherwise protect the device.
The technical implementation of this flaw violates fundamental security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog under CWE-258, which addresses insecure default configurations and the presence of default accounts or access points. The vulnerability specifically manifests as an unauthenticated access point that provides complete system control through the serial communication interface. Attackers can utilize standard serial communication tools and basic hardware knowledge to identify and connect to the UART pins, which are commonly exposed on embedded devices for debugging purposes but should never be accessible in production environments. This type of vulnerability is classified as a physical security weakness that enables privilege escalation from a standard user to root level access, which is categorized under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the router's functionality and access to all stored information. Once an attacker gains root access through the serial interface, they can modify firmware, extract sensitive configuration data, access network credentials, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only physical proximity to the device and basic knowledge of serial communication protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is not adequately maintained. Additionally, the exposed root access allows attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, and potentially create persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate physical security concerns and the underlying design flaw that allows unauthenticated root access. Organizations should implement physical security controls such as securing device enclosures, using tamper-evident seals, and restricting access to areas where network equipment is located. The most effective long-term solution involves firmware updates that disable or properly secure the serial interface, ensuring that any debugging access points are either removed or protected by strong authentication mechanisms. Network administrators should also consider implementing device monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized physical access attempts and establish clear procedures for handling potentially compromised devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure by design principles and proper security testing during the development lifecycle, particularly for embedded systems that may be exposed to physical access threats in production environments.