Hackers Exploit 52 Zero-Days on Day One of Pwn2Own Ireland

The opening day of Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 saw an impressive demonstration of 52 zero-day exploits, setting a new standard in cybersecurity competitions. With participants awarded over $516,250 for uncovering vulnerabilities, the event showcases how even cutting-edge devices and platforms can harbor unseen flaws. Organized by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), the competition focuses on identifying and responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities, providing vendors a window to patch them before they are publicly detailed.

What Makes Pwn2Own Essential? – Hackers Exploit 52 Zero-Days on Day One of Pwn2Own Ireland

Pwn2Own is more than just a competition—it is a vital ecosystem that bridges security researchers and vendors. By creating a safe space for hackers to demonstrate vulnerabilities, the contest encourages responsible disclosure. Vendors such as QNAP, Synology, Canon, and Sonos are given 90 days to develop and release security patches. This proactive approach reduces the chances of malicious exploitation, enhancing the overall security landscape.

Highlights from Day One

On the first day of Pwn2Own Ireland, hackers targeted IoT devices, printers, routers, NAS systems, and more. Below is a deeper dive into some standout hacks that showcased both technical skill and creativity.

1. Stack-Based Buffer Overflow on Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Camera

The Viettel Cyber Security team leveraged a stack-based buffer overflow and untrusted pointer dereference vulnerabilities to gain control over the Lorex 2K camera. This exploit, executed with precision, earned them $30,000 and three Master of Pwn points.

Technical Insight

Buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data into a buffer than it can hold, leading to memory corruption. By overflowing the buffer, hackers gained control of key processes, making it possible to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the attackers used a mismanaged pointer, which allowed them to redirect program flow to malicious code.

2. Sonos Era 300 Speaker Breach Using Out-of-Bounds Write

RET2 Systems exploited the Sonos Era 300 speaker through an out-of-bounds (OOB) write vulnerability. This allowed them to alter firmware settings and take over the device remotely, earning them $60,000 and six Master of Pwn points.

Technical Insight

OOB write vulnerabilities arise when software accesses memory locations outside the intended range, potentially causing memory corruption. Exploiting this, the hackers injected commands into the firmware, gaining control over the speaker. Such vulnerabilities in smart devices highlight the risks posed by consumer IoT products.

3. SQL Injection and Authentication Bypass Chain: QNAP Router and TrueNAS NAS

One of the more intricate attacks came from Viettel Cyber Security, who chained multiple exploits between a QNAP QHora-322 router and a TrueNAS Mini X NAS. The exploit involved SQL injection vulnerabilities on the router and missing authentication checks on the NAS. This sophisticated chain earned them $50,000 and ten Master of Pwn points.

Technical Insight

By injecting malicious SQL queries into the router’s backend, the attackers gained unauthorized access to sensitive functions. From there, they moved laterally to the NAS by exploiting exposed functionalities. This kind of attack mirrors the strategies employed by advanced persistent threats (APT), emphasizing the need for multi-layered security.

4. Printer Exploit on Canon imageCLASS MF656Cdw

The PHP Hooligans team exploited a printer authentication bypass vulnerability in the Canon imageCLASS MF656Cdw. They manipulated the device’s print queue, gaining unauthorized control, and walked away with $20,000 and two Master of Pwn points.

Technical Insight

Printers often represent overlooked security risks within enterprise environments. Bypassing authentication on the Canon device allowed hackers to control the printer’s interface, posing a potential entry point for larger network intrusions.

The Points Race: Who’s Leading? – Hackers Exploit 52 Zero-Days on Day One of Pwn2Own Ireland

The contest awards both cash prizes and points toward the Master of Pwn title. Teams accumulate points based on the complexity and impact of their exploits. Viettel Cyber Security emerged as the front-runner after day one with 13 points, followed closely by RET2 Systems and Synacktiv. This points-based structure encourages participants to aim for maximum impact with each exploit, ensuring that only the most innovative and challenging hacks earn top rewards.

Setbacks and Challenges

Despite the overwhelming success, not every attempt was fruitful. The Summoning Team struggled to exploit multiple Synology devices, including the QNAP TS-464, within the given time. These failed attempts highlight the difficulty of working with real-time security defenses and the need for constant innovation in exploit techniques.

Broader Implications for Cybersecurity

The first day of Pwn2Own Ireland underscored several important trends in cybersecurity:

1. Growing Threat from IoT Devices
   As more devices become connected, vulnerabilities in IoT products represent a significant security risk. Cameras, routers, and smart appliances were prime targets at this year’s event, demonstrating the critical need for robust IoT security frameworks.
2. The Importance of Multi-Layered Defense
   The success of chained exploits illustrates how attackers can move laterally across networks. Organizations must adopt multi-layered defenses to detect and block such movement early in the attack chain.
3. The Need for Ongoing Collaboration
   Events like Pwn2Own foster collaboration between vendors and researchers. As the complexity of attacks grows, the importance of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity becomes evident.

What’s Next?

With more than $1 million in total rewards still up for grabs, the remaining days of Pwn2Own promise even more exciting developments. Participants are set to target virtualization platforms, automotive systems, and enterprise applications, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in security research.

By the end of the event, the insights gained will not only strengthen individual products but also enhance the industry’s understanding of the evolving threat landscape. Patching and proactive defense remain key as organizations work to stay ahead of attackers.

Conclusion

Day one of Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 set an impressive tone, with 52 zero-days exploited and $516,250 awarded in prizes. The event serves as a powerful reminder that no system is invulnerable—even the most secure devices can harbor unknown flaws. As vendors rush to patch these newly disclosed vulnerabilities, the broader message is clear: constant vigilance and collaboration are essential for building a safer digital ecosystem.

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