CVE-2024-8454 in GS-4210-24PL4C Hardware 2.0
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2024
The swctrl service is used to detect and remotely manage PLANET Technology devices. Certain switch models have a Denial-of-Service vulnerability in the swctrl service, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to send crafted packets that can crash the service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2024
The swctrl service represents a critical component in the network infrastructure management ecosystem, specifically designed for detecting and remotely managing devices manufactured by PLANET Technology. This service operates as a remote management interface that enables network administrators to monitor and control various switch models within their network environments. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-8454 specifically targets this service, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on PLANET switches for their network operations. The service's functionality extends beyond simple monitoring to include remote management capabilities, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt network services.
The technical flaw within the swctrl service manifests as a denial-of-service vulnerability that occurs when the service processes incoming packets without proper input validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted packets that, when transmitted to the affected switch models, cause the swctrl service to crash or become unresponsive. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, where the service fails to properly handle malformed or unexpected packet structures, leading to service termination and subsequent network disruption. The lack of authentication requirements for this exploitation means that any remote attacker can potentially compromise the service without requiring valid credentials or network access privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially create cascading effects within network infrastructure. When the swctrl service crashes, it can result in complete loss of remote management capabilities for the affected switch, forcing network administrators to rely on physical access or alternative management methods. This disruption can be particularly severe in large network environments where multiple PLANET switches rely on the swctrl service for centralized monitoring and management. The vulnerability affects specific switch models from PLANET Technology, creating a targeted risk profile that organizations must carefully evaluate against their deployed hardware inventory. Network downtime resulting from this service crash can lead to significant operational costs and potential business disruption.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies focusing on network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure to this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves restricting network access to the swctrl service ports through firewall rules and network access control lists, ensuring that only authorized management systems can communicate with the affected switches. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous packet patterns or service disruption events can provide early warning capabilities. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and CWE-400 for unchecked resource consumption, highlighting the need for proper input validation and resource management within network services. Regular firmware updates from PLANET Technology should be implemented as part of the remediation strategy, while network administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected switch models within their environments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining secure network service configurations and implementing robust network monitoring practices to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.