CVE-2020-23160
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2020-23160 is an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in Pyrescom Termod4 time management devices. Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary commands as root on affected devices, potentially gaining full control. This affects organizations using Termod4 devices before version 10.04k.
💻 Affected Systems
- Pyrescom Termod4 time management devices
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, disrupt time management systems, pivot to internal networks, or use devices as botnet nodes.
Likely Case
Attackers with valid credentials gain root access to manipulate device functionality, steal data, or disrupt operations.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and strong authentication controls, impact is limited to isolated device compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof-of-concept exploit code is publicly available on GitHub. Exploitation requires valid credentials but is straightforward once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.04k and later
Vendor Advisory: https://pyres.com/en/solutions/termod-4/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware version 10.04k or later from Pyrescom. 2. Backup device configuration. 3. Upload and install new firmware via web interface. 4. Reboot device. 5. Verify version is 10.04k or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate Termod4 devices from critical networks and restrict access to management interfaces
Strong authentication controls
allImplement complex passwords, multi-factor authentication, and account lockout policies
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit device exposure
- Monitor for suspicious authentication attempts and command execution patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version via web interface or SSH. If version is below 10.04k, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
ssh admin@device_ip 'cat /etc/version' or check web interface System Information pageVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 10.04k or higher in device settings. Test authenticated command execution attempts should fail.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual authentication patterns
- Root command execution via web interface
- Unexpected system modifications
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious outbound connections from Termod4 devices
- Unusual traffic to device management ports
SIEM Query:
source="termod4" AND (event="command_execution" OR event="root_access")🔗 References
- https://github.com/Outpost24/Pyrescom-Termod-PoC
- https://outpost24.com/blog/multiple-vulnerabilities-discovered-in-Pyrescom-Termod4-smart-device
- https://pyres.com/en/solutions/termod-4/
- https://github.com/Outpost24/Pyrescom-Termod-PoC
- https://outpost24.com/blog/multiple-vulnerabilities-discovered-in-Pyrescom-Termod4-smart-device
- https://pyres.com/en/solutions/termod-4/
