CVE-2024-55548 in IAP-420
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2024
Improper check of password character lenght in ORing IAP-420 allows a forced deadlock. This issue affects IAP-420: through 2.01e.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-55548 represents a critical flaw in the ORing IAP-420 device firmware version 2.01e and earlier, where an improper validation of password character length creates a potential for forced deadlock conditions. This weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the authentication subsystem, specifically targeting the password length verification process. The device operates as an industrial automation platform that requires password authentication for access control, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology environments where system availability is paramount.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the system processes password inputs without proper boundary checking for minimum and maximum character limits. This inadequate validation allows malicious actors to submit specially crafted password sequences that trigger unexpected behavior within the authentication engine. The vulnerability specifically exploits the password length validation logic to create a deadlock condition, where the system enters a state where it cannot process further authentication requests or respond to legitimate user inputs. This occurs because the improper check causes the authentication thread or process to become stuck in a loop or wait state, effectively rendering the device inaccessible to authorized users while maintaining the potential for unauthorized access attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the integrity of industrial control systems. In environments where the IAP-420 serves as a critical component of manufacturing processes, power distribution systems, or building automation, a forced deadlock could lead to production halts, safety system failures, or extended downtime that exceeds typical recovery times. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and execution phases, where adversaries can leverage weak authentication controls to gain persistent access or disrupt operations. Organizations implementing this device in critical infrastructure settings face heightened risk of operational technology attacks that could cascade into broader system failures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-55548 require immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the password validation logic and implement proper input sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all IAP-420 devices within their networks, particularly focusing on authentication subsystems and access control configurations. Network segmentation and additional authentication layers can provide defensive depth while awaiting official patches. The vulnerability's characteristics align with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input length, and CWE-362, which covers race conditions in concurrent systems. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual authentication patterns or system lockout conditions that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of industrial control systems should include verification of authentication mechanisms and input validation controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the operational technology infrastructure.