CVE-2020-5596 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the TCP/IP function of Mitsubishi Electric GOT2000 series could allow a remote attacker to disrupt network functions or execute malicious code.

Understanding CVE-2020-5596

The vulnerability affects Mitsubishi Electric GOT2000 series GT27, GT25, and GT23 models due to improper session management in the CoreOS firmware.

What is CVE-2020-5596?

The TCP/IP function in the firmware of Mitsubishi Electric GOT2000 series (CoreOS with version -Y and earlier) installed in GT27, GT25, and GT23 models lacks proper session management, enabling a remote attacker to interfere with network operations or run malicious code through a crafted packet.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5596

The vulnerability could result in a remote attacker disrupting network functions or executing unauthorized code on affected devices, potentially leading to system compromise or data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5596

The technical aspects of the CVE-2020-5596 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The TCP/IP function in Mitsubishi Electric GOT2000 series firmware does not adequately handle sessions, creating a security gap that malicious actors could exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Products: GOT2000 series GT27, GT25, and GT23
Vulnerable Version: CoreOS with version -Y and earlier installed in GT27, GT25, and GT23 models

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to disrupt network operations or execute malicious code by sending a specially crafted packet to the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-5596, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate users and administrators on best security practices to prevent exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
Apply firmware updates and security patches as soon as they are released to protect against known vulnerabilities.