CVE-2001-0380 in XLT-F
Summary
by MITRE
Crosscom/Olicom XLT-F running XL 80 IM Version 5.5 Build Level 2 allows a remote attacker SNMP read and write access via a default, undocumented community string ILMI .
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0380 represents a critical security flaw in Crosscom/Olicom XLT-F routers running XL 80 IM Version 5.5 Build Level 2. This issue stems from the device's implementation of the Simple Network Management Protocol which is widely used for network monitoring and management purposes. The vulnerability specifically involves the use of a default, undocumented SNMP community string named "ILMI" that provides both read and write access to the affected network devices. This configuration creates an inherent security risk as the community string is not properly documented or secured, making it easily discoverable by malicious actors who may have network access. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in device configuration where default credentials or community strings are left unchanged and publicly known, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the SNMP protocol's authentication mechanism where community strings serve as passwords for accessing device management interfaces. In this case, the community string "ILMI" functions as both a read-community and write-community string, granting attackers comprehensive access to modify router configurations, view sensitive network information, and potentially disrupt network operations. The vulnerability exists because the manufacturer failed to properly secure the default configuration, leaving a well-known string accessible to anyone who can reach the device via SNMP. This issue falls under CWE-798 which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and more broadly under CWE-259 which covers the use of weak or default passwords. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no specialized knowledge beyond knowing the default community string, making it exploitable by even novice attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected Crosscom/Olicom devices as it creates a potential pathway for unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure. Attackers who discover the ILMI community string can perform various malicious activities including but not limited to configuration changes that could disrupt network services, data exfiltration, or establishing persistent access points within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the device, potentially allowing for widespread compromise if multiple affected devices exist within the same network segment. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network services, making it a high-priority issue for network administrators. The presence of such default credentials in network infrastructure also enables lateral movement within networks, as attackers can use the compromised device as a foothold to access other network segments.
Organizations should immediately address this vulnerability by implementing several mitigation strategies that align with industry best practices and security frameworks. The primary remediation involves changing the default SNMP community strings to strong, unique passwords that are properly documented and managed through secure configuration processes. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the scope of potential attacks and ensure that SNMP services are not accessible from untrusted networks. Additionally, the implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can restrict SNMP traffic to only authorized management stations. This approach aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and follows the principle of defense in depth. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern of insecure default configurations that can be found in many network appliances. The use of automated tools for scanning network devices for default credentials and weak configurations can help identify and remediate similar issues across the entire network infrastructure.