CVE-2020-12638 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-12638, an encryption-bypass issue affecting Espressif devices, allowing attackers to disable 802.11 encryption. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
An encryption-bypass issue was discovered on Espressif ESP-IDF devices through 4.2, ESP8266_NONOS_SDK devices through 3.0.3, and ESP8266_RTOS_SDK devices through 3.3. Broadcasting forged beacon frames forces a device to change its authentication mode to OPEN, effectively disabling its 802.11 encryption.
Understanding CVE-2020-12638
This CVE involves an encryption-bypass vulnerability affecting Espressif devices, leading to a downgrade in authentication mode.
What is CVE-2020-12638?
CVE-2020-12638 is a security flaw that allows attackers to bypass encryption on Espressif devices by manipulating beacon frames, forcing devices to switch to an insecure authentication mode.
The Impact of CVE-2020-12638
This vulnerability can lead to a significant security risk as it disables the 802.11 encryption, exposing sensitive data to potential interception and unauthorized access.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-12638
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue lies in the handling of beacon frames on Espressif ESP-IDF, ESP8266_NONOS_SDK, and ESP8266_RTOS_SDK devices, allowing malicious actors to exploit the flaw.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Espressif ESP-IDF devices through version 4.2
- ESP8266_NONOS_SDK devices through version 3.0.3
- ESP8266_RTOS_SDK devices through version 3.3
Exploitation Mechanism
By broadcasting forged beacon frames, attackers can manipulate the authentication mode of the targeted device, forcing it to switch to an insecure OPEN mode.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-12638 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities related to beacon frames.
- Implement intrusion detection systems to identify unauthorized authentication mode changes.
- Apply network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update firmware and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Espressif has released patches for the affected SDKs. Ensure all devices are updated to the latest secure versions.