CVE-2024-8889 in TCP2RS+
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
Vulnerability in CIRCUTOR TCP2RS+ firmware version 1.3b, which could allow an attacker to modify any configuration value, even if the device has the user/password authentication option enabled, without authentication by sending packets through the UDP protocol and port 2000, deconfiguring the device and thus disabling its use. This equipment is at the end of its useful life cycle.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8889 affects the CIRCUTOR TCP2RS+ device running firmware version 1.3b, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's configuration integrity and operational reliability. This issue stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's communication protocol stack, specifically exposing a UDP port 2000 endpoint that permits unauthorized modification of critical system parameters. The device, which has reached the end of its useful life cycle, presents an even more concerning security landscape as it likely lacks ongoing support or security updates, making it particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests through the exploitation of a design weakness in the TCP2RS+ firmware's network interface implementation, where the system fails to properly validate incoming packets sent through UDP port 2000. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level and directly violates fundamental security principles by allowing arbitrary configuration changes without proper authentication, even when the device has been configured with user/password authentication. The flaw enables attackers to send specially crafted UDP packets that bypass all authentication mechanisms, effectively granting full administrative control over the device's configuration parameters.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a severe impact on device availability and functionality, as attackers can completely deconfigure the device and render it unusable. The ability to modify any configuration value without authentication compromises the device's ability to perform its intended function, potentially causing service disruptions or complete system failure. Given that the device is at the end of its life cycle, organizations may have limited options for remediation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may remain unpatched for extended periods. The exposure through UDP port 2000 also means that this vulnerability could be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or complex network reconnaissance.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 and CWE-312 categories, representing weaknesses in cryptographic systems and the exposure of sensitive information through improper authentication mechanisms. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of spearphishing attachments or links, as attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability through network-based attacks. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation to isolate affected devices, disable unnecessary UDP services, and consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous UDP traffic on port 2000. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure configuration management and proper network access controls, particularly for end-of-life equipment that may not receive security updates. The risk is compounded by the fact that the device has reached its end of life, suggesting that no further security patches or firmware updates will be available to address this vulnerability, making it essential for organizations to plan for device retirement or replacement.