CVE-2023-40463 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Sierra Wireless ALEOS versions 4.16 and earlier. The issue arises when the device is configured in debugging mode by an authenticated user with administrative privileges. Under these conditions, ALEOS stores the SHA512 hash of a common root password for that version in a directory accessible to users with root or equivalent privileges. This vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which concerns the use of hard-coded credentials. The presence of a hard-coded password hash, even though hashed with SHA512, presents a significant security risk because it can be extracted by an attacker with root-level access and potentially cracked offline to reveal the root password. Once the root password is obtained, an attacker could gain full control over the device, leading to compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.1, indicating a high severity, with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network but requires high attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction. The scope is unchanged, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ALEOS is used in embedded wireless communication devices, often deployed in critical infrastructure and industrial environments. The ability to extract and crack a hard-coded root password hash could allow attackers to pivot into broader network environments or disrupt essential services.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, especially for those relying on Sierra Wireless ALEOS devices in their network infrastructure, such as IoT gateways, industrial routers, or cellular modems. Compromise of these devices could lead to unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, disruption of industrial control systems, or manipulation of critical communications. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, attackers could intercept sensitive data, alter device configurations, or cause denial of service. This is particularly critical for sectors like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and telecommunications, which often use ALEOS-based devices for remote connectivity. The vulnerability's requirement for administrative configuration to enable debugging mode somewhat limits exposure but does not eliminate risk, as insider threats or compromised administrative accounts could enable exploitation. Additionally, once the root password hash is obtained, offline cracking attempts could be performed, increasing the risk of credential compromise over time. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means organizations must rely on mitigation and monitoring to reduce risk.

Organizations should immediately audit their Sierra Wireless ALEOS devices to determine if debugging mode is enabled and disable it if not required. Restrict administrative access to trusted personnel and enforce strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized configuration changes. Monitor device file systems and logs for unauthorized access attempts or presence of unusual files that could indicate extraction of password hashes. Network segmentation should be employed to isolate ALEOS devices from critical network segments, limiting potential lateral movement. Employ strong password policies and consider changing default or common root passwords where possible. Since no patch is currently available, organizations should engage with Sierra Wireless support for updates or workarounds. Additionally, implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities targeting these devices. Regularly update device firmware when patches become available and maintain an inventory of all ALEOS devices to ensure comprehensive coverage.