CVE-2002-1554 in ONS15327
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco ONS15454 and ONS15327 running ONS before 3.4 stores usernames and passwords in cleartext in the image database for the TCC, TCC+ or XTC, which could allow attackers to gain privileges by obtaining the passwords from the image database or a backup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1554 affects Cisco ONS 15454 and ONS 15327 optical network switches operating with ONS software versions prior to 3.4. These network devices utilize a TCC (Transport Control Card), TCC+, or XTC (Extended Transport Control) architecture that manages critical network operations and access controls. The flaw resides in how these systems handle authentication credentials within their image database storage mechanisms, creating a significant security risk that has persisted since the early 2000s when these network appliances were widely deployed in telecommunications infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the cleartext storage of administrative usernames and passwords within the device's image database, which serves as the primary repository for configuration data and operational parameters. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles established by the Open Web Application Security Project and aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials. The passwords are stored without any form of encryption or obfuscation, making them immediately accessible to any attacker who gains access to the image database or can perform a backup operation that includes this sensitive data. The TCC, TCC+, and XTC cards are particularly susceptible because they maintain the core operational state of the network switch, including authentication credentials required for administrative access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized network access. Attackers who can obtain the cleartext credentials gain the ability to perform administrative functions, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, and potentially escalate privileges within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in telecommunications environments where these devices form the backbone of network operations, as it allows attackers to disrupt services, create backdoors, or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against network traffic. The risk is amplified by the fact that many organizations may not regularly audit their backup procedures or may store backup files in insecure locations where unauthorized personnel could access them, creating additional attack vectors that align with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to ONS software version 3.4 or later, which addresses the cleartext storage issue through proper encryption of credentials within the image database. Additional protective measures involve implementing strict access controls for backup operations, encrypting backup files at rest, and conducting regular security audits of network device configurations. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts, while administrative access should be restricted through multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential storage practices and highlights how legacy network infrastructure can contain fundamental security flaws that persist for years without proper patch management. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of storing sensitive data in easily accessible formats and should adopt comprehensive security policies that address the entire lifecycle of authentication credentials within network infrastructure.