CVE-2020-5654 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A session fixation vulnerability in the TCP/IP function of MELSEC iQ-R series products allows remote unauthenticated attackers to disrupt network functions via a specially crafted packet.

Understanding CVE-2020-5654

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's MELSEC iQ-R series products.

What is CVE-2020-5654?

The CVE-2020-5654 vulnerability is a session fixation issue in the TCP/IP function of specific modules within the MELSEC iQ-R series, potentially enabling remote attackers to halt network operations using malicious packets.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5654

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows unauthorized individuals to disrupt the network functions of affected products, potentially leading to service interruptions and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5654

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the TCP/IP function of the firmware of MELSEC iQ-R series products, specifically impacting modules with specific serial number criteria.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MELSEC iQ-R series
Versions: RJ71EIP91, RJ71PN92, RD81DL96, RD81MES96N, RD81OPC96
Serial Number Criteria: First 2 digits of serial number are '02' or before for RJ71EIP91, '01' or before for RJ71PN92, '08' or before for RD81DL96, '04' or before for RD81MES96N and RD81OPC96

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specially crafted packet to the affected devices, triggering a session fixation issue that disrupts network functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5654 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches or updates 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

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about cybersecurity best practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and apply patches as soon as they are released.