AE1021: Inclusion of Undocumented Features or Chicken Bits
CVE-2024-54457 is a high-severity inclusion of undocumented features or chicken bits vulnerability in AE1021 from FXC, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected AE1021 versions: firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.42% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of AE1021 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| FXC | AE1021 | firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier | Not stated |
| FXC | AE1021PE | firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (jpcert.or.jp).
Official description
Inclusion of undocumented features or chicken bits issue exists in AE1021 firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier and AE1021PE firmware versions 2.0.10 and earlier, which may allow a logged-in user to enable telnet service.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inclusion of Undocumented Features or Chicken Bits
The device includes chicken bits or undocumented features that can create entry points for unauthorized actors.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- The implementation of chicken bits in a released product is highly discouraged. If implemented at all, ensure that they are disabled in production devices. All interfaces to a device should be documented.
More Inclusion of Undocumented Features or Chicken Bits vulnerabilities (CWE-1242)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in AE1021
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Inclusion of Undocumented Features or Chicken Bits vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
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