CVE-2002-1691 in OmniPCX
Summary
by MITRE
Alcatel OmniPCX 4400 installs known user accounts and passwords in the /etc/password file by default, which allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1691 represents a critical security flaw in the Alcatel OmniPCX 4400 telephony system that fundamentally compromises system integrity through default credential configuration. This issue affects the core authentication mechanism of the device by embedding hardcoded user accounts and their associated passwords directly into the system's password file during the installation process. The flaw stems from poor security practices where vendors fail to implement proper authentication mechanisms and instead rely on predictable default credentials that remain unchanged unless manually configured by administrators.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installation process of the OmniPCX 4400 system where the software automatically creates user accounts with well-known usernames and passwords within the standard Unix password file located at /etc/password. This approach violates fundamental security principles by creating a persistent backdoor that exists regardless of administrator configuration choices. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply connecting to the system and attempting authentication with the default credentials, bypassing any additional security measures that might otherwise be implemented. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication subsystem and represents a classic case of insecure default configuration that undermines the entire security framework of the device.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying Alcatel OmniPCX 4400 systems as it provides unauthorized remote access capabilities to any attacker who can reach the system. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of telephony services. Attackers can leverage these default credentials to establish persistent access points, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments where the system resides. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper security hardening and the dangers of relying on default configurations that may be well-documented and easily accessible to malicious actors.
The security implications of CVE-2002-1691 align with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering attacks that exploit default credentials. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including changing all default passwords, disabling unused accounts, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected system. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized authentication attempts and credential usage patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The incident highlights the critical importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date security configurations as outlined in various security frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.