CVE-2002-0480 in Realsecure
Summary
by MITRE
ISS RealSecure for Nokia devices before IPSO build 6.0.2001.141d is configured to allow a user "skank" on a machine "starscream" to become a key manager when the "first time connection" feature is enabled and before any legitimate administrators have connected, which could allow remote attackers to gain access to the device during installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0480 represents a critical security flaw in ISS RealSecure software running on Nokia devices with IPSO operating system versions prior to build 6.0.2001.141d. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms during the initial system configuration phase, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the device before legitimate administrative access is established. The vulnerability specifically targets the "first time connection" feature which is designed to facilitate initial setup but inadvertently creates a security weakness through its implementation.
The technical flaw manifests through a hardcoded default user account named "skank" that exists on the target machine "starscream" within the ISS RealSecure system. This default account is configured with sufficient privileges to assume key management responsibilities during the initial connection process. When the "first time connection" feature is enabled, the system fails to properly authenticate or validate the identity of the connecting user, allowing the attacker to leverage this pre-existing account to gain administrative control. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where default credentials are not properly secured or removed during the installation process, creating a persistent backdoor for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent control over the network device during its critical initial configuration phase. This timing is particularly dangerous because it occurs before legitimate administrators have had the opportunity to secure the system, leaving the device vulnerable during its most critical setup period. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to gain administrative privileges without requiring prior knowledge of legitimate administrative credentials, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement during system initialization.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-255 - Credentials in Configuration Files and CWE-798 - Use of Hard-coded Credentials, while also demonstrating characteristics of privilege escalation and insecure default configurations. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can leverage default credentials to establish initial access and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential management during software installation and the necessity of disabling default accounts and services before system deployment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched IPSO build 6.0.2001.141d, disabling the first time connection feature if not required, and ensuring that all default accounts are properly secured or removed from production environments. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts during the initial device configuration period.