CVE-2002-0255 in NetDSL
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Arescom NetDSL 800 does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or reconfigure the router.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0255 affects the Arescom NetDSL 800 router device, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure configuration. This issue stems from the device's default settings that fail to implement any form of authentication mechanism, creating an inherent weakness that exposes the system to unauthorized access and manipulation. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication and default configuration issues, which are commonly classified as CWE-310 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The absence of authentication requirements means that any remote attacker with network access can potentially interact with the device's management interfaces without providing credentials.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's inability to distinguish between legitimate users and unauthorized parties due to the lack of authentication checks. When the router operates with its default configuration, it provides unrestricted access to its administrative functions, allowing remote attackers to perform operations that could compromise network security and availability. This vulnerability enables attackers to execute denial of service attacks by disrupting the router's normal operation or to reconfigure the device entirely, potentially altering network settings, modifying firewall rules, or changing network parameters that could affect connectivity and security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a pathway for attackers to cause significant disruption to network services. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to render the router inoperable, effectively creating a denial of service condition that affects all network users connected through that device. Additionally, the ability to reconfigure the router means that attackers can modify network parameters, potentially redirecting traffic, disabling security features, or establishing backdoors that persist even after the initial attack. The vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of network services, as the device can be manipulated to either stop functioning or to function in a manner that compromises network security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate configuration changes to enforce authentication requirements and implement proper access controls. Network administrators must disable default configurations and ensure that strong authentication mechanisms are implemented, including the use of complex passwords and potentially multi-factor authentication. The solution involves changing the default settings to require proper credentials before any administrative actions can be performed, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and secure configuration practices. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access control lists to limit the exposure of such devices to unauthorized networks, while maintaining regular security audits to identify and remediate similar default configuration issues across their infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations and proper authentication mechanisms in network security, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and MITRE ATT&CK matrix for network infrastructure attacks.