CVE-2001-0757 in 6400 NRP2
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco 6400 Access Concentrator Node Route Processor 2 (NRP2) 12.1DC card does not properly disable access when a password has not been set for vtys, which allows remote attackers to obtain access via telnet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0757 affects Cisco 6400 Access Concentrator Node Route Processor 2 (NRP2) 12.1DC card systems where the Virtual Teletypewriter (VTY) lines lack proper password protection mechanisms. This represents a critical security flaw in network device authentication that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network operations. The issue stems from the improper configuration of default access controls that fail to enforce mandatory authentication requirements for remote management interfaces.
This vulnerability constitutes a direct violation of security best practices and can be categorized under CWE-305 Authentication Bypass, specifically targeting weak authentication mechanisms in network infrastructure components. The flaw allows unauthorized remote access through Telnet protocol when no password has been configured for the VTY lines, creating an open gateway for malicious actors to establish administrative sessions without proper credentials. The vulnerability exists at the operational level of network device management where default configurations fail to enforce security policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to critical network infrastructure components. Once exploited, attackers can perform full administrative functions including configuration changes, access control modifications, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network environment. This access bypass represents a significant threat to network security posture and can lead to complete network compromise. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate network management protocols without requiring additional credential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on enforcing mandatory password configuration for all VTY lines and implementing proper access control lists to restrict Telnet access to authorized management networks only. Network administrators must ensure that default configurations are reviewed and hardened according to security benchmarks. The recommended approach includes implementing strong authentication mechanisms, disabling unnecessary services, and establishing network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all management interfaces require proper authentication before granting access to network device configuration interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper default configuration management and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies for network infrastructure security.