CVE-2024-13872

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2024-13872

Vulnerability Description:

CVE-2024-13872 affects Bitdefender Box versions 1.3.11.490 through 1.3.11.505. The vulnerability lies in the device’s use of insecure HTTP to download assets for updating and restarting daemons and detection rules. These updates can be triggered remotely via the /set_temp_token API method. This allows a network-adjacent attacker to perform a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack and inject malicious responses during the update process. The restarted daemons using these malicious assets can then be exploited for remote code execution (RCE) on the device.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.4 (Critical)
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution (RCE)
  • Attack Vector: Network-Adjacent (An attacker needs to be on the same network or be able to intercept network traffic between the Bitdefender Box and its update server.)
  • Authentication: None Required (Unauthenticated attacker can exploit)

Known Exploit:

The description indicates a clear path to exploitation:

  1. Trigger an update remotely through the /set_temp_token API method.
  2. Intercept the HTTP traffic between the Bitdefender Box and the update server.
  3. Inject malicious assets (e.g., modified binaries, configuration files, or detection rules) into the update stream.
  4. The Bitdefender Box downloads and uses these malicious assets during the update process.
  5. Restarted daemons load the compromised assets, leading to RCE.

Remediation and Mitigation Strategy:

This vulnerability requires a layered approach to remediation and mitigation.

1. Immediate Actions (Short-Term Mitigation):

  • Network Segmentation: Isolate the Bitdefender Box on a dedicated network segment with strict access control policies. This limits the potential attacker’s ability to perform a MITM attack.
  • Network Monitoring: Implement or enhance network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor for suspicious traffic originating from or destined to the Bitdefender Box. Look for unexpected API calls to /set_temp_token and abnormal traffic patterns associated with update downloads.
  • Temporary Disable Updates (If Possible with Risk Assessment): Assess the risk of disabling automatic updates versus the risk of potential exploitation. If possible and the risk is deemed acceptable, temporarily disable automatic updates on the Bitdefender Box until a patch is available. Note: This increases the risk of other vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor for Compromise: Continuously monitor the Bitdefender Box for signs of compromise, such as unexpected process activity, unusual network connections, or altered system files.

2. Long-Term Remediation (Permanent Fix):

  • Apply the Official Patch/Update: The most important step is to apply the official patch or update provided by Bitdefender as soon as it becomes available. This is the only way to completely eliminate the vulnerability. Contact Bitdefender support for details on the patch availability and installation instructions.
  • Enforce HTTPS for Updates: The core of the problem is the use of insecure HTTP. The long-term fix should involve enforcing HTTPS (HTTP Secure) for all update downloads. This will encrypt the traffic and prevent MITM attacks.
  • Implement Certificate Pinning: To further strengthen security, implement certificate pinning. This ensures that the Bitdefender Box only trusts update servers that present a specific, pre-approved SSL/TLS certificate. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to impersonate the update server.
  • Code Review and Security Audit: After the initial fix, conduct a thorough code review and security audit of the update mechanism to identify and address any other potential vulnerabilities. This should include examining the /set_temp_token API and the process of validating and applying updates.
  • Secure API Endpoint: Ensure the /set_temp_token API endpoint requires authentication and authorization to prevent unauthorized triggering of updates. If the API endpoint does not need to be externally accessible, restrict access to only internal network segments.
  • Integrity Checking of Updates: Implement robust integrity checking mechanisms (e.g., cryptographic signatures) to verify the authenticity and integrity of downloaded update packages before they are applied. This prevents the Bitdefender Box from installing tampered or malicious assets.

3. Ongoing Security Practices:

  • Vulnerability Management Program: Establish a robust vulnerability management program to proactively identify and address security weaknesses in all systems and devices.
  • Security Awareness Training: Provide regular security awareness training to employees and users on the risks of MITM attacks and other security threats.
  • Regular Security Assessments: Conduct regular penetration testing and security assessments of the Bitdefender Box and other network devices to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest security threats and vulnerabilities affecting the Bitdefender Box and other devices. Subscribe to security advisories and mailing lists from Bitdefender and other reputable sources.

Verification:

  • After applying the patch or update, verify that the Bitdefender Box is using HTTPS for update downloads.
  • Test the update process to ensure that it completes successfully and without any errors.
  • Monitor the Bitdefender Box for any signs of compromise or unusual activity.
  • Perform a penetration test to confirm that the vulnerability has been effectively remediated.

By implementing this comprehensive remediation and mitigation strategy, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation of CVE-2024-13872. The priority should be applying the official patch/update as soon as it is available.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-12 12:15:14
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-12 12:15:14

More Details

CVE-2024-13872