CVE-2019-12776 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

ENTTEC devices including Datagate MK2, Storm 24, Pixelator, and E-Streamer MK2 with firmware version 70044_update_05032019-482 have a fixed SSH backdoor allowing remote root access.

Understanding CVE-2019-12776

These devices have a hardcoded SSH backdoor that poses a significant security risk.

What is CVE-2019-12776?

The vulnerability enables unauthorized users to gain remote root access to affected ENTTEC products through a specific command in certain scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12776

The presence of the SSH backdoor allows malicious actors to access the root user remotely, compromising the security and integrity of the impacted devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12776

ENTTEC devices are susceptible to unauthorized remote access due to the hardcoded SSH backdoor.

Vulnerability Description

A specific command in relocate and relocate_revB scripts copies a predetermined key to the authorized_keys file of the root user, granting remote root access to unauthorized users possessing the corresponding private key.

Affected Systems and Versions

ENTTEC Datagate MK2, Storm 24, Pixelator, and E-Streamer MK2 with firmware version 70044_update_05032019-482

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit the hardcoded SSH backdoor to gain unauthorized remote access to the root user of the impacted devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-12776.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable remote SSH access if not required
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity
Implement firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to patch security vulnerabilities
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by ENTTEC to eliminate the hardcoded SSH backdoor vulnerability