PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-41988 TEM CVE debrief

TEM Opera Plus FM Family Transmitter firmware version 35.45 contains a critical unauthenticated file upload vulnerability. An exposed endpoint permits MPFS File System binary image uploads without authentication. The MPFS file system underpins the device's HTTP2 web server module and is also utilized by the SNMP module and other applications requiring basic read-only storage. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to overwrite flash program memory containing the web server's main interfaces, leading to arbitrary code execution. CISA published advisory ICSA-24-277-01 on October 3, 2024, documenting this vulnerability with a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (Critical). TEM has not responded to CISA's coordination requests to develop mitigations.

Vendor: TEM
Product: Opera Plus FM Family Transmitter
CVSS: CRITICAL 9.8
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2024-10-03
Original CVE updated: 2024-10-03
Advisory published: 2024-10-03
Advisory updated: 2024-10-03

Who should care

Organizations operating TEM Opera Plus FM Family Transmitters in broadcast infrastructure, particularly those with devices exposed to network access. Security teams responsible for OT/ICS environments, broadcast engineers, and critical infrastructure operators should prioritize assessment and network-level mitigations.

Technical summary

The TEM Opera Plus FM Family Transmitter exposes an unprotected endpoint that accepts MPFS (Microchip Proprietary File System) binary image uploads without requiring authentication. The MPFS file system serves as the foundation for the device's HTTP2 web server module and is also used by the SNMP module. Because this file system can be overwritten via the unauthenticated endpoint, an attacker can upload a malicious binary image that overwrites flash program memory. This enables modification of the web server's main interfaces and execution of arbitrary code on the device. The vulnerability affects firmware version 35.45. No vendor-provided patch is currently available.

Defensive priority

critical

Recommended defensive actions

Contact TEM directly for additional information regarding mitigation status and potential firmware updates
Restrict network access to affected transmitter devices at the network perimeter
Implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks
Monitor for unauthorized access attempts to device management interfaces
Apply defense-in-depth strategies per CISA ICS recommended practices
Review and implement ICS-CERT cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems

Evidence notes

Vulnerability description and affected product version (35.45) sourced from CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-277-01. CVSS 3.1 vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H confirmed via source references. Vendor non-response to CISA coordination documented in remediation section of source advisory.

Official resources

2024-10-03