CVE-2001-1424 in Speed Touch Home
Summary
by MITRE
Alcatel Speed Touch ADSL modem running firmware KHDSAA.108, KHDSAA.132, KHDSBA.133, and KHDSAA.134 has a blank default password, which allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The Alcatel Speed Touch ADSL modem vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw that has persisted in various firmware versions including KHDSAA.108, KHDSAA.132, KHDSBA.133, and KHDSAA.134. This vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly configure default credentials, leaving administrators with no password protection during initial setup. The absence of a mandatory password requirement creates an immediate security risk that allows any remote attacker to gain full administrative control of the device without authentication. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of insecure default configuration as identified by CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote network access to the modem's administrative interface. Attackers can connect to the device using standard network protocols and immediately gain access to configuration settings, network parameters, and potentially the entire local network. The blank default password creates an unauthenticated entry point that bypasses all normal authentication mechanisms and allows for complete device compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these modems might be exposed to external networks without proper network segmentation. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts obtained through default credentials, and T1046 which involves discovery of network services and ports.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential network compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker gains administrative control, they can modify network settings to redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The modem could be configured to act as a man-in-the-middle device, intercepting communications or serving as a command and control channel for malware. The lack of authentication makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that do not regularly monitor their network devices or perform security assessments. This flaw represents a significant risk to network security posture and can lead to complete network compromise if not addressed promptly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Alcatel to address the default credential issue, along with mandatory password configuration during initial setup. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and ensure that all network devices require strong authentication before allowing administrative access. Regular security audits and network scanning should be conducted to identify devices with default or weak credentials. The implementation of network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting access to administrative interfaces to authorized personnel only. Organizations should also establish security policies that mandate immediate credential changes upon device deployment and regular credential rotation to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for device configuration and access control management.