External risk intelligence

Zyxel DSL CPE Command Injection Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-40891

Certain Zyxel DSL CPE devices have a security vulnerability that allows an authenticated attacker to execute operating system commands via Telnet. This poses a risk of unauthorized access and control over the affected devices. Organizations should identify and address this vulnerability to mitigate potential business i

2Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Zyxel Vmg1312 B10a Firmware

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-40891

The vulnerability affects legacy DSL CPE devices and requires authenticated access via Telnet to exploit. While these devices are network-connected, Telnet is typically intended for internal administrative management and is generally not exposed directly to the public internet in standard deployment configurations.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain Zyxel DSL CPE devices have a security flaw within their management commands. This vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated attacker who gains access through Telnet. Exploitation allows an attacker to execute operating system commands on the affected device. This could lead to unauthorized actions and potential compromise of the device's integrity and data.

  • Vulnerable Zyxel management commands
  • Allows OS command execution
  • Potential device compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A post-authentication command injection vulnerability exists in the management commands of certain Zyxel DSL CPE devices. This vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to execute operating system commands on an affected device through Telnet. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over the device's functions.

  • Requires authenticated access.
  • Attacker uses Telnet.
  • Executes arbitrary OS commands.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing specific Zyxel DSL customer premises equipment. An attacker with authenticated access could potentially execute operating system commands, leading to unauthorized control and compromise of the affected device. The potential for such a breach necessitates careful consideration of the business impact and a proactive approach to mitigation.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Moderate
  • Required access or conditions: Authenticated access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to execute operating system commands on the affected Zyxel device through Telnet. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating potential exposure to this risk.

  • Find affected Zyxel DSL CPE devices.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and validate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zyxel VMG4325-B10A and its firmware version 1.00(AAFR.4)C0_20170615?

The Zyxel VMG4325-B10A is a legacy DSL Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) device. The specific firmware version 1.00(AAFR.4)C0_20170615 is affected by a security vulnerability.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2024-40891 represent?

CVE-2024-40891 is a post-authentication command injection vulnerability, specifically classified as CWE-78, which means it allows for OS command injection. This enables an attacker to execute operating system commands on the affected device.

How can CVE-2024-40891 be exploited?

An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by using Telnet to send commands to the affected Zyxel DSL CPE devices. This allows them to execute arbitrary operating system commands, potentially compromising the device.

What is the relevance of CVE-2024-40891 for organizations?

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows an attacker with authenticated access to execute commands on Zyxel DSL CPE devices. This could lead to unauthorized control and compromise, necessitating a proactive mitigation approach.

What practical steps should be taken in response to this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify affected Zyxel DSL CPE devices, reduce their exposure or isolate them, and apply vendor-provided fixes. Validation after applying fixes is also a crucial step in mitigating the risk.

References