CVE-2002-0670 in xpressa
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface for Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4 uses Base64 encoded usernames and passwords for HTTP basic authentication, which allows remote attackers to steal and easily decode the passwords via sniffing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0670 affects the Pingtel xpressa SIP-based voice-over-IP phone versions 1.2.5 through 1.2.7.4, specifically targeting its web interface implementation of HTTP basic authentication. This flaw represents a significant security weakness in the device's authentication mechanism that directly impacts the confidentiality of user credentials. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of weak authentication practices that fail to adequately protect sensitive information transmitted over network connections. The use of Base64 encoding for credentials in this context is fundamentally flawed as Base64 is not encryption but rather encoding that can be easily reversed, making the authentication mechanism susceptible to interception and decoding attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the web interface's handling of authentication credentials where usernames and passwords are transmitted using Base64 encoding rather than proper encryption mechanisms. This approach violates fundamental security principles for credential transmission and creates an easily exploitable vector for attackers who can capture network traffic containing these encoded credentials. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where HTTP basic authentication is implemented, making it accessible through standard network sniffing tools and techniques. Network administrators and security professionals can observe these encoded credentials in transit and quickly decode them to obtain valid authentication information, effectively bypassing the device's security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for VoIP deployments. Attackers who successfully intercept and decode these credentials can gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative interface, potentially leading to complete device compromise. This access could enable attackers to modify device configurations, redirect calls, eavesdrop on communications, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using legacy VoIP systems where upgrading to more secure authentication mechanisms may not be immediately feasible, creating extended exposure windows for attackers. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to successfully compromise the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate implementation of network segmentation and monitoring to detect and prevent credential interception attempts. Organizations should deploy network traffic encryption using protocols such as HTTPS or TLS to protect authentication credentials in transit, ensuring that even if network sniffing occurs, the credentials remain protected. The implementation of stronger authentication mechanisms such as digest authentication or token-based authentication should be considered as alternatives to basic authentication. Additionally, network administrators should implement regular monitoring of device access logs to detect unauthorized access attempts and ensure that administrative interfaces are not accessible from untrusted networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-310 (CWE-310: Cryptographic Issues) categories, demonstrating poor implementation of secure credential handling practices that violate established security standards. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1110 (Brute Force) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers could potentially leverage stolen credentials for further network exploration and lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure.