CVE-2024-48442 is a vulnerability identified in the Shenzhen Tuoshi Network Communications Co.,Ltd 5G CPE Router NR500-EA RG500UEAABxCOMSLICv3.2.2543.12.18 firmware. The issue stems from incorrect access control mechanisms that allow an attacker to connect to the router's SSH service without any form of authentication. This means that an attacker with network access to the device can establish an SSH session without credentials, bypassing all authentication controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function) and is exploitable remotely without requiring user interaction or prior privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, with vector AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N, indicating that the attack requires adjacent network access (e.g., local network or VPN), has low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction needed, and impacts confidentiality with no effect on integrity or availability. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the risk remains significant due to the sensitive nature of SSH access, which can allow attackers to gather sensitive information or pivot within a network. The vulnerability affects a specific firmware version of the router, but the exact range of affected versions is not specified. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device's management interface, potentially leading to further compromise of the network environment.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-48442 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to unauthenticated SSH access. Attackers can connect to the router's SSH service without credentials, potentially allowing them to enumerate device configurations, network topology, or other sensitive data. While the vulnerability does not directly allow modification of device settings or denial of service, the exposure of SSH access can facilitate lateral movement within an organization's network, increasing the risk of broader compromise. Organizations relying on this router for 5G CPE connectivity may face increased risk of espionage, data leakage, or network reconnaissance. The vulnerability's requirement for adjacent network access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with weak network segmentation or exposed internal networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future attacks. Overall, the vulnerability undermines the confidentiality of network management interfaces and could serve as a stepping stone for more severe attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-48442, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict network access to the affected routers' SSH ports by implementing strict firewall rules and network segmentation, ensuring only trusted management hosts can reach the device. 2) Disable SSH access entirely if it is not required for device management. 3) Monitor network traffic for unauthorized SSH connection attempts to the affected devices and establish alerts for suspicious activity. 4) Use VPNs or secure management networks to isolate router management interfaces from general user networks. 5) Regularly audit router configurations to ensure no default or weak credentials are in use and that access controls are properly enforced. 6) Engage with Shenzhen Tuoshi Network Communications or authorized vendors to obtain firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 7) Consider deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) tuned to detect anomalous SSH access patterns. 8) Educate network administrators about the risks of unauthenticated access and enforce strict operational security policies around device management.