CVE-2024-45367 in ONS-S8 Spectra Aggregation Switch
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2024
The web server for ONS-S8 - Spectra Aggregation Switch includes an incomplete authentication process, which can lead to an attacker authenticating without a password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-45367 affects the web server component of ONS-S8 Spectra Aggregation Switch, a network infrastructure device designed for telecommunications and data center applications. This device operates as a critical element in network aggregation and switching operations, handling sensitive network traffic and configuration management through its web interface. The affected system represents a significant security risk within enterprise and service provider networks where such switches are deployed to manage high-volume data flows and maintain network connectivity for critical services.
The technical flaw manifests as an incomplete authentication process within the web server implementation, specifically allowing unauthorized access without proper credential verification. This authentication bypass vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to adequately verify user credentials before granting access to the administrative interface. The weakness likely exists in the server-side authentication logic where session management or credential validation routines are improperly implemented, potentially allowing attackers to exploit missing input sanitization or authentication state checks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-287 category of "Improper Authentication" and represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of the web server component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the network switch without requiring valid passwords or authentication credentials. This access level provides attackers with complete control over the device configuration, potentially allowing them to modify network routing, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or redirect traffic through malicious endpoints. Network administrators may lose visibility into network operations as attackers can modify logging configurations or disable monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within the network infrastructure, as compromised switches can serve as launching points for attacks against other network segments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.002 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage the compromised device to establish persistent access and expand their attack surface.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches or firmware updates that address the authentication implementation flaws. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while multi-factor authentication mechanisms should be deployed where possible to add additional security layers. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. Network monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege access controls, restricting web interface access to only essential personnel with proper authorization, and maintain comprehensive network access logs for forensic analysis. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication implementation in network infrastructure devices and aligns with NIST SP 800-53 security controls for access control and system and communications protection.