Security vulnerabilities are a constant threat to devices and applications that are exposed to the network. One of the most significant risks comes from missing or improper authorization controls. In this article, we will cover CVE-2024-10575—a newly identified vulnerability classified as CWE-862: Missing Authorization. We’ll break down what this means, show you how it can be exploited, and share practical code and references for your own research.

What is CVE-2024-10575?

CVE-2024-10575 is a security bug that was recently found in some popular network-enabled devices and applications. The issue comes down to missing authorization checks. When devices are placed on a network, certain endpoints on the device’s web server or API can be accessed by *anybody*—even if they are not logged in or otherwise authenticated. This means that attackers can access, change, or delete data they should never be allowed to touch.

Technical classification:
CWE-862: Missing Authorization – This stands for "the absence of proper checks to ensure a request is being made by an authorized actor."

Data leaks: Users can access sensitive information they shouldn’t see.

- Device control: Attackers could change settings, reboot devices, or perform other administrative actions.
- Lateral movement: Once inside the network, threat actors could use the affected device as a launching pad for further attacks.

How the Vulnerability Works

Let’s look at a fictional, but realistic scenario.

Suppose you have a smart home device (like a webcam or a thermostat). It runs a little web server for configuration. Normally, if you try to access /admin/config it should require you to log in first.

Due to this vulnerability, no authentication check happens. So anyone on the network—or even the internet, if it’s exposed—can access http://<device-ip>/admin/config and change your settings without logging in!

Here’s what the critical, vulnerable endpoint might look like in Python (Flask)

from flask import Flask, request, jsonify

app = Flask(__name__)

# VULNERABLE: No authentication or authorization checks!
@app.route('/admin/config', methods=['POST'])
def config():
    # This endpoint changes key device settings
    # Any user can POST new config, no checks!
    new_settings = request.json
    # Save settings logic here...
    return jsonify({"status": "ok", "msg": "Settings updated."})

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run('...', 800)

In the above code, *anyone* on the network can POST to /admin/config with a crafted request and update the device’s settings.

Here’s how an attacker might take advantage

1. Identify the device: Scan the local network for open HTTP ports, or find Internet-exposed devices using Shodan (www.shodan.io).
2. Access undocumented/hidden endpoints: Try URLs like /admin/config, /api/user/list, etc.

Example Exploit with Curl

curl -X POST http://192.168.1.50:800/admin/config \
     -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
     -d '{"wifi_ssid":"attacker_wifi","wifi_password":"secret"}'

This would silently update the device’s WiFi credentials—without needing to log in!

What Devices or Products Are Impacted?

As of now, affected products include certain smart home devices, small business IoT solutions, and a few web applications. You should always read the official CVE entry for up-to-date details. Device and software vendors will list affected versions and patch status.

For Developers

- Always check authorization before allowing *any* sensitive action. Use session tokens, JWTs, API keys, or whatever fits your application.

- Example fix for the Flask app above

from flask import session, abort

@app.route('/admin/config', methods=['POST'])
def config():
    if not session.get("logged_in"):
        abort(401)  # Unauthorized
    # Proceed with updating config

For Users

- Update firmware/software when patches become available.

References

- CVE-2024-10575 – Mitre CVE Database
- CWE-862: Missing Authorization
- OWASP: Broken Access Control
- Flask Sessions Documentation

Conclusion

CVE-2024-10575 shows just how dangerous it can be when developers skip proper authorization checks. If your product exposes services over the network, always make sure every sensitive endpoint is protected. If you’re a user or admin, keep an eye on the latest CVEs, and update your devices often.

Security is everyone’s job—let’s make our digital world a little safer!

*This article is exclusive content for educational and awareness purposes only. Always use this information responsibly.*

Timeline

Published on: 11/13/2024 05:15:11 UTC
Last modified on: 11/13/2024 17:01:16 UTC