CVE-2024-25730

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2024-25730

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

CVE ID: CVE-2024-25730 CVSS Score: 9.8

The vulnerability in Hitron CODA-4582 and CODA-4589 devices involves default Pre-Shared Keys (PSKs) that are generated from 5-digit hex values concatenated with a "Hitron" substring. This method results in insufficient entropy, with only about one million possible combinations. The high CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical vulnerability due to the ease of exploitation and the potential impact on affected devices.

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

Attack Vectors:

• Brute Force Attacks: Given the low entropy of the PSKs, attackers can easily perform brute force attacks to guess the correct PSK.
• Dictionary Attacks: The predictable pattern of the PSKs makes them susceptible to dictionary attacks, where attackers use precomputed lists of possible keys.
• Network Sniffing: Attackers can capture network traffic and use the predictable PSK pattern to decrypt the data.

Exploitation Methods:

• Wi-Fi Network Compromise: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to the Wi-Fi network by cracking the PSK.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Once the PSK is compromised, attackers can intercept and manipulate network traffic.
• Data Exfiltration: Sensitive information can be stolen from the network, including personal data, login credentials, and financial information.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

Affected Devices:

• Hitron CODA-4582
• Hitron CODA-4589

Software Versions:

• The vulnerability affects the firmware versions of the above devices that use the described PSK generation method. Specific versions are not listed, but it is implied that all versions using this method are vulnerable.

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Actions:

• Change Default PSKs: Users should immediately change the default PSKs to strong, unique passwords.
• Firmware Update: Check for and apply any available firmware updates from Hitron that address this vulnerability.
• Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised device.

Long-Term Strategies:

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
• User Education: Educate users on the importance of changing default credentials and using strong passwords.
• Monitoring: Implement network monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape

The vulnerability highlights the ongoing issue of weak default credentials in IoT and network devices. It underscores the need for manufacturers to adopt stronger security practices, such as unique, randomized default credentials and regular security updates. The ease of exploitation and the potential for widespread impact make this a significant concern for both home users and organizations.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

PSK Generation Method:

• The PSKs are generated by concatenating a 5-digit hex value with the substring "Hitron."
• Example PSK: 1A2B3Hitron

Entropy Calculation:

• The 5-digit hex value provides 20 bits of entropy (16^5 = 1,048,576 possible combinations).
• The "Hitron" substring adds no additional entropy, making the total entropy approximately 20 bits.

Detection and Response:

• Detection: Use network monitoring tools to detect brute force or dictionary attacks on Wi-Fi networks.
• Response: Implement incident response plans to quickly address and mitigate any detected attacks.

References:

• GitHub Advisory
• Product Images

Conclusion

CVE-2024-25730 represents a critical vulnerability in Hitron CODA-4582 and CODA-4589 devices due to weak default PSKs. Immediate mitigation strategies include changing default PSKs and applying firmware updates. Long-term, manufacturers must adopt stronger security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The cybersecurity landscape must continue to emphasize the importance of robust default configurations and regular security updates to protect against such threats.