CVE-2002-0881 in 7910
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IP Phone (VoIP) models 7910, 7940, and 7960 use a default administrative password, which allows attackers with physical access to the phone to modify the configuration settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0881 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco IP Phone models 7910, 7940, and 7960 that stems from the improper implementation of default credentials. This weakness exposes these voice over internet protocol devices to unauthorized configuration changes when physical access is obtained by malicious actors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems, and represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management practices. These IP phone models, widely deployed in enterprise environments for voice communications, were designed with default administrative passwords that remained unchanged in many deployments, creating a persistent security risk.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper authentication mechanisms or the failure to enforce password change policies during device provisioning. When an attacker gains physical access to these phones, they can exploit the default administrative credentials to access the device configuration interface directly. This access enables modifications to critical network settings, voice routing configurations, and potentially allows for the installation of malicious firmware or the establishment of backdoors. The vulnerability operates at the device level and does not require network connectivity for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these phones often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes to encompass potential compromise of entire voice communication infrastructures. An attacker with administrative access can redirect calls, monitor conversations, modify user accounts, and potentially use the phone as a pivot point to attack other network devices. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security by design in the Cisco product line. The consequences can include unauthorized access to sensitive business communications, potential data exfiltration through call monitoring, and disruption of critical communication services. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of insider threats and physical security breaches, as the default credentials provide a persistent attack vector that remains active until manually changed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of administrative password changes across all affected devices, which aligns with the NIST cybersecurity framework recommendations for credential management. Organizations should establish and enforce strict provisioning procedures that mandate password changes during device deployment and implement regular security audits to verify that default credentials have been removed. The implementation of network access controls, such as port security measures and device authentication protocols, can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing device management solutions that can automatically detect and alert on the presence of default credentials. This vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of defense in depth and serves as a reminder that physical security controls must be considered alongside network security measures. The remediation process should include comprehensive staff training on the importance of changing default passwords and understanding the risks associated with unsecured physical access points within network infrastructure.