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2025-01-06
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In today’s interconnected industrial landscape, the security of networking devices is paramount. Moxa, a leading manufacturer of industrial networking and automation solutions, recently disclosed two critical vulnerabilities in its cellular routers, secure routers, and network security appliances. These flaws, if exploited, could grant attackers root-level access or allow unauthorized command execution, posing significant risks to industrial operations. This article delves into the details of these vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and the steps users can take to mitigate the risks.
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of the
1. Moxa, a prominent industrial networking manufacturer, has identified two critical vulnerabilities in its firmware affecting multiple products.
2. The first vulnerability, CVE-2024-9138, involves hardcoded credentials in the firmware of 10 Moxa products, allowing authenticated attackers to gain root access.
3. The second vulnerability, CVE-2024-9140, enables unauthenticated attackers to perform OS command injection attacks by exploiting input restrictions in the firmware of 7 Moxa products.
4. Both vulnerabilities are rated as high severity on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), with scores of 8.6 and 9.8, respectively.
5. Moxa has released patches for many affected products but acknowledges that some devices, such as the NAT-102 Series secure routers and OnCell G4302-LTE4 Series cellular routers, still lack publicly available fixes.
6. The company advises users to minimize network exposure, restrict SSH access to trusted IP addresses, and implement intrusion detection systems if patching is not immediately possible.
7. Moxa credited security researcher Lars Haulin for discovering and reporting the vulnerabilities.
8. The company’s products are widely used in critical industries, including transportation, energy, and manufacturing, by organizations such as Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority and the City of Lancaster, California.
9. Moxa’s security advisory urges immediate action to prevent potential exploitation and mitigate risks.
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What Undercode Say:
The discovery of these vulnerabilities in Moxa’s industrial networking devices underscores a growing concern in the cybersecurity landscape: the increasing targeting of operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS). As industries continue to adopt IoT and connected devices, the attack surface for malicious actors expands, making robust security measures more critical than ever.
1. The Significance of Hardcoded Credentials (CVE-2024-9138):
Hardcoded credentials are a recurring issue in embedded systems and IoT devices. These credentials, often embedded during the manufacturing process, are intended for maintenance or debugging but can become a significant liability if discovered by attackers. In Moxa’s case, the exploitation of these credentials allows attackers to escalate privileges to root level, effectively gaining full control over the device. This highlights the need for manufacturers to adopt secure coding practices, such as eliminating hardcoded credentials and implementing dynamic authentication mechanisms.
2. The Danger of OS Command Injection (CVE-2024-9140):
OS command injection vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a device’s operating system. In Moxa’s firmware, the use of special characters to bypass input restrictions demonstrates a lack of proper input validation—a common oversight in software development. This vulnerability’s remote exploitability makes it even more critical, as attackers can target devices without needing prior access.
3. The Broader Implications for Industrial Security:
Moxa’s products are integral to critical infrastructure, including energy grids, transportation systems, and manufacturing facilities. A successful attack on these devices could disrupt operations, cause financial losses, or even endanger public safety. The fact that some affected devices still lack patches is concerning, as it leaves users vulnerable to potential exploits.
4. Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices:
While Moxa has provided patches for many devices, users of affected products should take additional steps to secure their networks:
– Network Segmentation: Isolate critical devices from the internet and untrusted networks to reduce exposure.
– Access Control: Restrict SSH and other remote access methods to trusted IP addresses.
– Monitoring: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious activity.
– Vendor Communication: Stay in close contact with Moxa for updates and technical support regarding unpatched devices.
5. The Role of Security Researchers:
The discovery of these vulnerabilities by Lars Haulin highlights the importance of independent security research in identifying and addressing potential threats. Collaboration between researchers and manufacturers is essential for improving the security of industrial devices and protecting critical infrastructure.
6. A Call for Industry-Wide Action:
Moxa’s vulnerabilities serve as a wake-up call for the industrial sector to prioritize cybersecurity. Manufacturers must adopt secure development practices, conduct regular security audits, and provide timely updates to address vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, users must remain vigilant, implementing robust security measures and staying informed about potential threats.
In conclusion, the vulnerabilities in Moxa’s devices are a stark reminder of the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing industrial networks. By taking proactive steps to secure their systems, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of their operations in an increasingly connected world.
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For more details, refer to Moxa’s official security advisory on their website.
References:
Reported By: Cyberscoop.com
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