Security Risks: 15,000 Four-Faith Routers Exposed to Exploits Due to Default Credentials
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Outline
| Section | Subheadings |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Overview of the exploit – Importance of the issue |
| What is CVE-2024-12856? | – Description of the vulnerability – CVSS Score and impact |
| Affected Devices | – List of impacted models – Common features of F3x24 and F3x36 |
| How the Exploit Works | – Role of default credentials – OS command injection mechanism |
| Reverse Shell Attacks | – Explanation of reverse shell – Persistent remote access risks |
| Attack Origins | – Details of IP address 178.215.238[.]91 – Historical context: CVE-2019-12168 exploitation |
| Attack Methodology | – Exploitation via /apply.cgi endpoint– Vulnerable parameters like adj_time_year |
| Scope of the Issue | – Number of devices affected globally – Data from Censys on exposed routers |
| Timeline of Attacks | – Evidence of attacks since November 2024 – Exploitation trends |
| Reporting and Disclosure | – VulnCheck’s role – Reporting timeline to Four-Faith |
| Lack of Patches | – Absence of fixes as of now – Implications for users |
| Mitigation Measures | – Importance of changing default credentials – Using firewall rules and network segmentation |
| How to Detect Compromise | – Signs of exploitation – Tools for monitoring router activity |
| Industry Reactions | – Role of threat intelligence firms like GreyNoise – Comments from cybersecurity experts |
| Conclusion | – Summary of the risks – Call to action for immediate action |
| FAQs | – What is CVE-2024-12856? – How can I secure my router? – Are patches available? – What are default credentials? – What is a reverse shell? – How can I monitor my network for attacks? |
Introduction
The discovery of a high-severity flaw, CVE-2024-12856, affecting over 15,000 Four-Faith routers has sent ripples through the cybersecurity community. This vulnerability, actively exploited by unknown threat actors, allows attackers to execute unauthorized OS commands if default credentials remain unchanged. According to VulnCheck, the exploitation of this flaw has become a growing concern due to its potential to compromise devices globally.
The issue underscores the need for better credential management and highlights the risks associated with unpatched systems. This article provides a comprehensive look at the exploit, its impact, and steps users can take to protect their devices.
What is CVE-2024-12856?
CVE-2024-12856 is an operating system (OS) command injection vulnerability that enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on targeted devices. With a CVSS score of 7.2, the flaw is deemed high-severity, although it requires authentication to exploit successfully.
The vulnerability becomes critical when routers still use default credentials, which attackers can leverage to bypass authentication and gain full access.
Affected Devices
The vulnerability impacts the following router models:
- Four-Faith F3x24
- Four-Faith F3x36
These devices are commonly deployed in industrial and commercial environments, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to disrupt critical operations.
How the Exploit Works
The exploitation process involves two critical elements:
- Default Credentials: Many Four-Faith routers ship with default usernames and passwords, which users often fail to change. This oversight provides an easy entry point for attackers.
- OS Command Injection: Once authenticated, attackers exploit the
/apply.cgiendpoint and theadj_time_yearparameter to execute unauthorized OS commands.
By doing so, they can manipulate the device’s settings and establish persistent remote access.
Reverse Shell Attacks
In the documented cases, attackers leveraged the exploit to launch a reverse shell, enabling them to control the device remotely. Reverse shells pose significant risks as they grant attackers continuous access to compromised systems, often going undetected for extended periods.
Attack Origins
The attack campaigns traced back to IP address 178.215.238[.]91 reveal a well-established history of targeting Four-Faith routers. This IP address has been linked to previous exploits, including the CVE-2019-12168 vulnerability, indicating a persistent interest in these devices by threat actors.
Attack Methodology
The primary attack vector involves HTTP requests to the /apply.cgi endpoint. Attackers manipulate the adj_time_year parameter within the system time adjustment feature, exploiting the lack of input validation to inject OS commands.
Scope of the Issue
According to Censys, over 15,000 internet-facing Four-Faith routers remain exposed. This widespread exposure highlights the potential scale of the threat, particularly in industries reliant on these devices for critical connectivity.
Timeline of Attacks
Evidence suggests that exploitation of CVE-2024-12856 began in early November 2024, with campaigns intensifying in December. The continued use of unpatched devices has exacerbated the problem, leaving many systems vulnerable.
Reporting and Disclosure
VulnCheck responsibly disclosed the flaw to Four-Faith on December 20, 2024. However, as of now, no patches or mitigations have been made available, raising concerns about the company’s response to the threat.
Lack of Patches
The absence of a security update puts the onus on users to mitigate risks manually. Without a patch, attackers can continue to exploit the vulnerability unabated.
Mitigation Measures
To protect against exploitation, users should:
- Change Default Credentials: Replace factory-set usernames and passwords with strong, unique credentials.
- Implement Firewalls: Restrict unauthorized access to router interfaces.
- Segment Networks: Isolate routers from critical systems to limit attack impact.
How to Detect Compromise
Signs of exploitation include:
- Unusual network activity
- Unexpected configuration changes
- Unauthorized access logs
Using monitoring tools can help identify and respond to threats promptly.
Industry Reactions
Cybersecurity firms like GreyNoise have been instrumental in tracking exploitation trends, providing valuable insights into the scope and persistence of attacks. Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to secure exposed devices.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-12856 vulnerability is a stark reminder of the risks posed by default credentials and unpatched systems. With over 15,000 devices potentially at risk, users must take immediate action to secure their routers and minimize exposure.
FAQs
1. What is CVE-2024-12856?
CVE-2024-12856 is a high-severity OS command injection flaw affecting select Four-Faith routers, allowing unauthorized command execution.
2. How can I secure my router?
Change default credentials, implement firewall rules, and ensure your device is isolated from critical systems.
3. Are patches available?
As of now, no patches have been released for this vulnerability.
4. What are default credentials?
Default credentials are factory-set usernames and passwords that must be changed for security.
5. What is a reverse shell?
A reverse shell is a type of remote access that allows attackers to control a compromised device.
6. How can I monitor my network for attacks?
Use tools like network monitoring software to detect unusual activity and unauthorized access.
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