CVE-2024-47088
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass OTP authentication through brute force attacks on the Apex Softcell LD Geo API login. Attackers can gain unauthorized access to user accounts by repeatedly guessing OTP codes. Organizations using Apex Softcell LD Geo with API-based authentication are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apex Softcell LD Geo
📦 What is this software?
Ld Dp Back Office by Apexsoftcell
Ld Geo by Apexsoftcell
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of all user accounts, leading to data theft, unauthorized system access, and potential lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Targeted account takeover of specific users, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper rate limiting and monitoring, though some accounts may still be compromised if weak OTPs are used.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires no authentication and can be automated with simple brute force tools. Attackers only need network access to the API endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES01&VLCODE=CIVN-2024-0296
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review the CERT-IN advisory for patch details. 2. Apply the vendor-provided security update. 3. Restart the Apex Softcell LD Geo service. 4. Verify the fix by testing authentication rate limiting.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Implement API Rate Limiting
allConfigure web application firewall or reverse proxy to limit authentication attempts per IP/user
# Example nginx rate limiting: limit_req_zone $binary_remote_addr zone=auth:10m rate=5r/m;
# Then apply to login location: limit_req zone=auth burst=10 nodelay;
Enable Account Lockout
allConfigure temporary account lockout after failed authentication attempts
# Configure in application settings or via security policy
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the API endpoint
- Deploy an API gateway with strict rate limiting and monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test if you can make unlimited failed OTP authentication attempts without lockout or delayCheck Version:
Check application version in admin interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that after 5-10 failed OTP attempts, the system implements rate limiting or account lockout📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed OTP authentication attempts from same IP/user
- Unusual authentication patterns outside business hours
- Successful login after many failed attempts
Network Indicators:
- High volume of POST requests to /api/login or similar endpoints
- Traffic patterns showing repeated authentication attempts
SIEM Query:
source="apex_ld_geo" AND (event_type="auth_failure" AND count > 10 within 5m) OR (event_type="auth_success" AND preceding auth_failure > 5)