CVE-2001-1426 in Speed Touch Home
Summary
by MITRE
Alcatel Speed Touch running firmware KHDSAA.108 and KHDSAA.132 through KHDSAA.134 has a TFTP server running without a password, which allows remote attackers to change firmware versions or the device s configurations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The CVE-2001-1426 vulnerability affects Alcatel Speed Touch devices operating on firmware versions KHDSAA.108 and KHDSAA.132 through KHDSAA.134, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from the improper configuration of the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server. This vulnerability resides in the network device's default security posture, where the TFTP service operates without any authentication mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point for unauthorized remote access. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in implementing basic access controls, allowing any remote attacker to manipulate the device's firmware and configuration parameters without requiring credentials or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the TFTP protocol's inherent design characteristics that lack built-in authentication features. When a TFTP server operates without password protection, it exposes the device to arbitrary file operations including firmware updates, configuration file modifications, and potentially complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious firmware images or modify existing configurations, effectively gaining control over the network device's operational parameters. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and specifically relates to the absence of authentication controls in network services. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that TFTP is commonly used for network device management and firmware deployment, making the lack of authentication a critical security oversight.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1426 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to fundamentally alter network infrastructure configurations. Remote attackers can manipulate device settings to redirect traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the network environment. This vulnerability compromises the integrity and availability of network services, potentially leading to complete network disruption or unauthorized access to internal systems. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072, which describes software deployment via remote services, and T1566, covering spearphishing through social engineering, as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain initial network access. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where network devices serve as critical infrastructure components, as unauthorized modifications can lead to significant service interruptions and security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of affected devices. Organizations should disable unnecessary TFTP services when not actively required for legitimate network operations, and implement proper authentication mechanisms for any remaining TFTP servers. Network administrators must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and apply firmware updates where available, though in this case the vulnerability exists in legacy firmware versions that may not receive further patches. The remediation process should include implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized TFTP access attempts and establishing baseline configurations that prevent unauthorized modifications. Additionally, organizations should enforce network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict TFTP traffic to trusted administrative networks only, effectively reducing the attack surface and preventing exploitation of this authentication bypass vulnerability.