Aquabot Exploits Mitel Flaw CVE-2024-41710

The Aquabot botnet, a sophisticated variant of the Mirai botnet, has been actively exploiting CVE-2024-41710, a high-severity command injection vulnerability in Mitel SIP phones. This detailed analysis provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability, the exploitation methods used by Aquabot, and the mitigation measures organizations should take.

Overview of CVE-2024-41710

Description

CVE-2024-41710 is a critical command injection vulnerability found in Mitel 6800, 6900, and 6900w series SIP phones, including the 6970 Conference Unit. The vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of parameters during the boot process, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices.

Technical Details

• Nature of the Vulnerability: The vulnerability occurs due to insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization. During the boot process, certain parameters are not properly sanitized, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands.
• Impact: Exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the context of the affected device. This can compromise the device’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Aquabot Botnet Exploitation

Exploitation Details

The Aquabot botnet has been exploiting CVE-2024-41710 since January 2025. The botnet uses a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code published by PacketLabs’ Kyle Burns in August 2024. This exploit involves sending specially crafted HTTP POST requests to the target device, bypassing the sanitization checks and injecting malicious commands.

Payload and Malware

The payload used in these attacks typically involves fetching and executing a shell script named bin.sh. This script, in turn, downloads and executes the Mirai malware on the target system. Key characteristics of the payload and malware include:

• Cross-Platform Support: The malware supports various architectures, including x86, ARM, MIPS, and PPC.
• DDoS Capabilities: The primary function of the malware is to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against targeted networks.
• Persistent Infection: The malware ensures persistence on the infected device, allowing it to be reactivated even after reboots.

Impact and Consequences

Affected Devices

• Mitel SIP Phones: The vulnerability affects Mitel 6800, 6900, and 6900w series SIP phones, including the 6970 Conference Unit. Organizations using these devices are at risk of exploitation.
• Compromise of Sensitive Information: Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, including call logs, contact lists, and potentially confidential communications.
• Network Disruption: The botnet’s DDoS capabilities can disrupt network services, leading to significant operational and financial impacts.

Mitigation and Recommendations

Firmware Updates

Mitel released firmware updates in July 2024 to address CVE-2024-41710. Organizations are strongly advised to:

• Update Firmware: Ensure that all affected devices are updated to the latest firmware version provided by Mitel. This is the primary method to mitigate the vulnerability.
• Verify Updates: After applying the firmware updates, verify that the devices are no longer vulnerable by conducting thorough security testing.

Security Measures

In addition to applying firmware updates, organizations should implement the following security measures to protect against exploitation:

Network Segmentation:

• Isolate Critical Systems: Implement network segmentation to isolate SIP phones and other critical systems from the main network. This reduces the attack surface and limits the potential impact of an exploit.
• Restrict Access: Apply access controls to restrict network access to authorized devices and users only.

Regular Monitoring:

• Network Traffic Analysis: Regularly monitor network traffic for unusual patterns or anomalies that may indicate an ongoing attack or compromised device.
• Log Management: Implement robust log management practices to detect and investigate suspicious activities promptly.

Access Control and Hardening:

• Enforce Least Privilege: Apply the principle of least privilege to restrict administrative access to critical systems.
• Secure Configurations: Ensure that all devices are configured securely, with default credentials changed and unnecessary services disabled.

Incident Response Planning:

• Develop Response Plans: Establish and regularly update incident response plans to address potential exploitation attempts. Ensure that all staff are trained to recognize and respond to security incidents effectively.

Conclusion

The Aquabot botnet’s exploitation of CVE-2024-41710 highlights the critical importance of timely security updates and proactive monitoring. By following the recommended mitigation steps, including applying firmware updates and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their infrastructure from potential threats.