CVE-2024-24459
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service to cellular networks by exploiting an invalid memory access in Athonet vEPC MME when handling S1Setup Request messages. Attackers can repeatedly initiate connections with crafted payloads targeting the ProtocolIE_ID field. Organizations using Athonet vEPC MME v11.4.0 for cellular network infrastructure are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Athonet vEPC MME
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete cellular network service disruption affecting all connected devices in the coverage area, potentially impacting emergency services and critical communications.
Likely Case
Intermittent service degradation or localized outages affecting cellular connectivity for users in specific network segments.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and monitoring allowing quick detection and isolation of attack traffic.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted S1Setup Request messages, which is straightforward for attackers with network access to the MME interface.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check HPE advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=hpesbnw04780en_us&docLocale=en_US
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review HPE advisory for patched version. 2. Schedule maintenance window. 3. Backup configuration. 4. Apply patch/upgrade. 5. Restart MME service. 6. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Control
allRestrict access to MME S1 interface to authorized eNodeBs only using firewall rules and network segmentation.
Rate Limiting
allImplement rate limiting on S1Setup Request messages to prevent repeated connection attempts.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate MME from untrusted networks
- Deploy intrusion detection systems monitoring for abnormal S1Setup Request patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check MME version using vendor-specific commands or management interface. Version 11.4.0 is vulnerable.Check Version:
Consult Athonet documentation for version check command specific to your deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify MME version is updated beyond v11.4.0 and monitor for crash/restart events after applying patch.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- MME crash/restart logs
- Abnormal S1Setup Request frequency in MME logs
- Memory access violation errors
Network Indicators:
- Unusual volume of S1Setup Request messages from single source
- Malformed S1AP packets targeting ProtocolIE_ID field
SIEM Query:
source="MME" AND (event_type="crash" OR event_type="restart") OR (message="S1Setup Request" AND count > threshold)