CVE-2001-1210 in ubr925 Router
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco ubr900 series routers that conform to the Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) standard must ship without SNMP access restrictions, which can allow remote attackers to read and write information to the MIB using arbitrary community strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1210 affects Cisco UBR900 series routers that implement the Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specifications standard. This represents a critical security flaw in network infrastructure devices that operate within cable modem environments. The issue stems from the default configuration of these routers where SNMP access restrictions are not properly enforced, creating an inherent security weakness that persists across all affected models. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists in devices that serve as fundamental components of cable internet service provider networks, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to critical network management functions.
The technical flaw manifests in the router's SNMP implementation where the system accepts arbitrary community strings without proper authentication mechanisms. This allows unauthorized remote attackers to establish connections to the router's Management Information Base through Simple Network Management Protocol. The vulnerability operates at the network layer where SNMP traffic is processed, enabling attackers to perform both read and write operations on the router's configuration and operational parameters. The absence of access control restrictions means that any attacker who can reach the router's SNMP port can potentially gain administrative privileges or extract sensitive network information through the MIB structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate router configurations, monitor network traffic, and potentially disrupt services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify routing tables, change network settings, or even redirect traffic through the compromised router. The default nature of this vulnerability means that organizations deploying these routers without proper configuration changes face immediate risk, as the devices are shipped with insecure defaults that require manual intervention to secure. This creates a significant challenge for network administrators who may not be aware of the specific security implications of their equipment.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-310 cryptographic weakness classification and the ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284 access control issues where insufficient access restrictions are implemented. Mitigation strategies should include immediate configuration changes to enforce proper SNMP access controls, implementing strong community string policies, and ensuring that routers are not exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to these devices and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized SNMP access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of this vulnerability within the network infrastructure.