CVE-2019-6551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2019-6551, published on February 14, 2019, addresses a vulnerability in Pangea Communications Internet FAX ATA versions up to and including 3.1.8. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass user authentication, leading to a denial-of-service condition.

Understanding CVE-2019-6551

This CVE entry highlights a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in Pangea Communications Internet FAX ATA devices.

What is CVE-2019-6551?

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate a URL to bypass user authentication, causing the device to reboot and enabling continuous denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6551

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to the device and disrupt its normal operation, potentially leading to service outages.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6551

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Attackers can exploit versions of Pangea Communications Internet FAX ATA up to and including version 3.1.8 to bypass user authentication by manipulating a URL, causing the device to reboot and enabling denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Pangea Communications Internet FAX ATA
Vendor: ICS-CERT
Versions affected: All Versions 3.1.8 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by manipulating a specific URL to trigger a reboot of the device, allowing attackers to continuously deny service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-6551, immediate steps should be taken to secure affected devices and prevent unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches or updates provided by the vendor to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all devices and software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for device security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from vendors and promptly apply recommended patches.
Regularly check for firmware updates and security bulletins related to Pangea Communications Internet FAX ATA.