CVE-2024-12286: MOBATIME DTS 4801 Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-12286 Overview

CVE-2024-12286 is a critical hardcoded credentials vulnerability affecting the MOBATIME Network Master Clock - DTS 4801. This industrial control system (ICS) device allows attackers to gain initial access via SSH using default credentials, potentially compromising time synchronization infrastructure in critical environments.

Critical Impact

Attackers can leverage default SSH credentials to gain unauthorized access to MOBATIME DTS 4801 devices, potentially compromising network time synchronization infrastructure and enabling further lateral movement within ICS environments.

Affected Products

• MOBATIME Network Master Clock - DTS 4801
• MOBATIME DTS 4801 devices with default SSH credentials enabled
• Network environments relying on DTS 4801 for time synchronization

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-12-10 - CVE-2024-12286 published to NVD
• 2024-12-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-12286

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-1392 (Use of Default Credentials), a common security weakness in industrial control systems and IoT devices. The MOBATIME DTS 4801 Network Master Clock ships with default SSH credentials that, if left unchanged, allow unauthorized remote access to the device.

Network Master Clocks like the DTS 4801 are critical infrastructure components responsible for time synchronization across industrial networks. Compromising these devices could enable attackers to manipulate time-sensitive operations, disrupt logging mechanisms, or use the device as a pivot point for further network intrusion.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability combined with the lack of authentication complexity makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the device is exposed to untrusted networks.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the use of hardcoded default credentials in the SSH service of the MOBATIME DTS 4801 device. Manufacturers often ship devices with default username and password combinations for initial setup convenience, but failure to enforce credential changes during deployment leaves devices vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The CWE-1392 classification indicates that the default credentials are either well-known, easily discoverable, or identical across multiple device installations, significantly reducing the barrier to exploitation.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction to exploit. An attacker with network access to the target device can:

1. Identify the MOBATIME DTS 4801 device through network scanning or service fingerprinting
2. Attempt SSH connection using commonly known default credentials
3. Upon successful authentication, gain full access to the device's command-line interface
4. Execute arbitrary commands, modify device configuration, or establish persistence

The vulnerability is particularly concerning in ICS environments where network segmentation may be inadequate, allowing attackers to reach time synchronization infrastructure from compromised workstations or through external network exposure.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-12286

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected SSH login sessions to MOBATIME DTS 4801 devices
• Authentication logs showing successful logins using default credentials
• Unusual command execution or configuration changes on time synchronization devices
• Network connections from unexpected IP addresses to DTS 4801 management interfaces

Detection Strategies

• Monitor SSH authentication logs for successful logins to DTS 4801 devices, particularly from unusual source IPs
• Implement network intrusion detection rules to alert on SSH traffic to ICS time synchronization devices
• Deploy asset inventory tools to identify MOBATIME devices and verify credential configurations
• Use vulnerability scanners capable of detecting default credential usage on network devices

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging on all MOBATIME DTS 4801 devices and forward logs to a centralized SIEM
• Implement alerting for any SSH connections to critical ICS infrastructure from non-whitelisted sources
• Conduct periodic credential audits to ensure default credentials have been changed across all deployed devices
• Monitor for reconnaissance activity targeting ICS device ports and services

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-12286

Immediate Actions Required

• Change default SSH credentials on all MOBATIME DTS 4801 devices immediately
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to time synchronization infrastructure
• Disable SSH access if not required for operational purposes
• Audit all deployed DTS 4801 devices to verify credential configurations have been updated

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-24-345-01 for official vendor guidance and remediation steps. Contact MOBATIME directly for firmware updates or security patches that may address this vulnerability.

Implementing strong, unique credentials for each device is the primary mitigation, as the vulnerability stems from the use of default credentials rather than a software defect requiring a patch.

Workarounds

• Implement strong, unique passwords for SSH access on all DTS 4801 devices
• Use SSH key-based authentication instead of password authentication where supported
• Deploy firewall rules to restrict SSH access to authorized management stations only
• Consider placing DTS 4801 devices on isolated management networks inaccessible from general network segments
• Implement multi-factor authentication for access to ICS management networks

# Configuration example - Network access restrictions
# Firewall rule to restrict SSH access to DTS 4801 devices
# Allow SSH only from authorized management station (example: 192.168.100.10)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s 192.168.100.10 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j DROP

# Alternative: Use network segmentation with VLAN isolation
# Place all time synchronization devices in dedicated VLAN
# Configure ACLs to permit only authorized management traffic