The Elber ESE DVB-S/S2 Receiver has been found to contain a critical authentication bypass vulnerability. This weakness allows unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive system areas without proper authentication. The following sections will explore the details of this vulnerability, its impacts, and how it can be exploited.
Understanding the Vulnerability
This vulnerability primarily exists due to improper validation of user credentials. An attacker can exploit it by sending a crafted HTTP request to the receiver. This action results in bypassing normal authentication mechanisms, allowing access to the device’s functionalities without the need for valid login credentials.
Technical Details
Vulnerability Entry Point
The vulnerability is triggered through a specific parameter in the HTTP request. In this case, the login endpoint can be abused. The method used to exploit this vulnerability largely relies on the POST HTTP method, typically made to the following URL:
http:///login.php
Key Parameters
- username: Usually required for authentication.
- password: Normally required for authentication.
- login_action: This is the action which can be manipulated to bypass authentication.
Payload Explanation
When crafting a request, an attacker may manipulate the login_action parameter to bypass the standard authentication check. An example payload might look something like this:
POST /login.php HTTP/1.1
Host:
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
Content-Length: 45
username=attacker&password=pass123&login_action=valid
In this crafted request, an attacker specifies a known username, an arbitrary password, and a manipulated login_action parameter. The server processes this request without correctly validating the credentials, granting access to the attacker.
Technical Flow of Exploitation
To better illustrate the exploitation process, here’s an ASCII representation that outlines the sequence of events:
Attacker Receiver
| |
|----HTTP Request---------->|
| (login.php with payload) |
| |
|<---HTTP Response----------|
|<-----Access Granted-------|
In this flow, the attacker sends an HTTP request to the receiver. Due to the vulnerability, the receiver does not authenticate the user correctly, allowing access to its functionalities.
Impact of the Vulnerability
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Unauthorized access: Attackers can view, modify, or steal sensitive data stored in the receiver.
- Device manipulation: Attackers could alter device settings or configurations.
- Data integrity issues: Any data transmitted through the receiver could be compromised or manipulated.
Mitigation Strategies
To address this vulnerability, it is essential to improve the authentication mechanisms in place. Here are practical strategies for mitigation:
- Implement stricter input validation: Ensure all incoming requests are thoroughly checked for valid credentials before granting access.
- Use strong password policies: Enforce complexity requirements for user passwords to reduce the likelihood of successful brute force attacks.
- Regularly update firmware: Keeping the device firmware up to date ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched swiftly.
Conclusion
Authentication bypass vulnerabilities like the one found in the Elber ESE DVB-S/S2 Receiver pose significant risks to system integrity and data confidentiality. Researchers and developers must take proactive steps to mitigate such risks and safeguard their devices.
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Reference: Original exploit details can be found at Exploit-DB.
