CVE-2002-2380 in ADSL Modem
Summary
by MITRE
NetDSL ADSL Modem 800 with Microsoft Network firmware 5.5.11 allows remote attackers to gain access to configuration menus by sniffing undocumented usernames and passwords from network traffic.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2380 affects the NetDSL ADSL Modem 800 device which operates with Microsoft Network firmware version 5.5.11. This represents a significant security weakness in network infrastructure equipment that was prevalent during the early 2000s era of broadband connectivity. The device serves as a critical gateway for internet connectivity in residential and small office environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to network configurations and services. The vulnerability stems from the insecure transmission of authentication credentials over the network without proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of undocumented authentication mechanisms within the network traffic generated by the modem. When users attempt to access the configuration menus of the device, the system transmits usernames and passwords in a manner that can be easily intercepted by network monitoring tools. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential handling and network communication protocols. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack where authentication information flows between client and server components, making it particularly susceptible to passive network sniffing attacks. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential network compromise and service disruption. An attacker who successfully intercepts these credentials can gain full administrative control over the modem configuration, allowing them to modify network settings, disable security features, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. This compromise can lead to man-in-the-middle attacks, denial of service conditions, and the potential for further network infiltration through the compromised device. The vulnerability also creates a risk for credential reuse attacks where stolen authentication information may be used against other systems within the same network infrastructure. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-reward vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate network traffic encryption and access control measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strong encryption protocols such as TLS or IPSec to protect authentication traffic between network devices and management interfaces. Network administrators should also implement proper access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to configuration interfaces to authorized personnel only. Additionally, the firmware should be updated to versions that properly encrypt authentication credentials or implement more secure authentication mechanisms such as challenge-response protocols or token-based authentication. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure network design principles and demonstrates the critical need for proper credential handling in network infrastructure devices, particularly those operating in unsecured or public network environments where traffic interception becomes trivial. Organizations should also consider network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of such compromises and implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy network equipment.