CVE-2002-1892 in FVS318
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR FVS318 running firmware 1.1 stores the username and password in a readable format when a backup of the configuration file is made, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1892 affects NETGEAR FVS318 firewall devices running firmware version 1.1, representing a critical security flaw in network device configuration management. This issue stems from the device's improper handling of authentication credentials during configuration backup operations, creating a significant exposure point for unauthorized users. The vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where sensitive authentication data is stored in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or obfuscated. This configuration flaw directly violates security best practices for credential storage and represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users perform configuration backups on the affected NETGEAR FVS318 device, which generates backup files containing the username and password in clear text format. This design flaw means that anyone with local access to the device or the backup files can easily extract authentication credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in security-by-design principles, where sensitive data is not properly protected during routine administrative operations. This issue is particularly concerning as it affects the device's core configuration management functionality, which is essential for network security administration and should inherently protect sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1892 extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of networks relying on the affected device. Local attackers who gain access to the device or its backup files can immediately obtain administrative credentials, enabling them to modify firewall rules, access network resources, and potentially establish persistent access to the network infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and privilege escalation domains, where adversaries seek to obtain valid credentials to maintain access to systems. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where firewall devices serve as critical network security boundaries, as compromised credentials could provide attackers with complete control over network traffic filtering and access controls.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that it represents a design-level flaw rather than an exploitable runtime vulnerability, making it particularly difficult to detect and remediate. Organizations using affected NETGEAR FVS318 devices must consider the potential for insider threats and unauthorized local access, as any individual with physical or network access to the device could extract credentials. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls for administrative functions. The flaw also highlights the need for regular firmware updates and security assessments of network infrastructure, as it represents a failure in the device's security engineering that could have been addressed through proper implementation of secure credential storage mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local access to the device, implementing network segmentation, and establishing proper backup file access controls to prevent unauthorized credential exposure. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure configuration management practices and proper credential handling in network security devices, aligning with CWE categories related to insecure credential storage and improper privilege management.