CVE-2020-11618 : Security Advisory and Response

THOMSON THT741FTA 2.2.1 and Philips DTR3502BFTA DVB-T2 2.2.1 set-top boxes have a hardcoded TELNET service that starts on boot, enabling a local network attacker to gain root access via the TELNET protocol.

Understanding CVE-2020-11618

These vulnerabilities affect specific set-top box models, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2020-11618?

CVE-2020-11618 involves the TELNET service in THOMSON and Philips set-top boxes, allowing attackers to exploit the service to gain root access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-11618

The vulnerability permits attackers on the local network to achieve root access, posing a significant security risk to affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-11618

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The TELNET service in THOMSON THT741FTA 2.2.1 and Philips DTR3502BFTA DVB-T2 2.2.1 set-top boxes is hardcoded to start on boot, creating a security loophole.

Affected Systems and Versions

THOMSON THT741FTA 2.2.1
Philips DTR3502BFTA DVB-T2 2.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the TELNET service to gain root access on the local network, potentially compromising the entire system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-11618 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable TELNET service on the affected set-top boxes to prevent unauthorized access.
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to critical devices.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious TELNET activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users on secure network practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Check for firmware updates from THOMSON and Philips to address the hardcoded TELNET service vulnerability.