CVE-2002-2402 in EP-4501
Summary
by MITRE
SURECOM broadband router EP-4501 uses a default SNMP read community string of "public" and a default SNMP read/write community string of "secret," which allows remote attackers to read and modify router configuration information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2402 affects SURECOM broadband routers, specifically the EP-4501 model, presenting a critical security weakness through improper default credential configuration. This issue falls under the broader category of weak authentication mechanisms and default credential vulnerabilities that have persisted across network equipment for decades. The router's configuration exposes SNMP community strings with predictable default values, creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The default SNMP read community string of "public" and the default read/write community string of "secret" represent classic security misconfigurations that violate fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth. These default credentials are widely known within the cybersecurity community and have been documented in numerous security advisories and vulnerability databases, making them particularly dangerous as they require no specialized knowledge to exploit.
The technical flaw manifests through the Simple Network Management Protocol implementation within the router's firmware, which allows unauthorized network management access using these hardcoded credentials. When an attacker successfully authenticates using either the read-only or read-write community strings, they gain access to sensitive router configuration data including network settings, user accounts, firewall rules, and other administrative information. This access enables attackers to perform configuration modifications that can alter network behavior, disable security features, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hard-coded credentials as a significant security weakness. Additionally, the flaw aligns with CWE-259, addressing the issue of weak password or passphrase strength, and CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive data through improper handling of credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected router. Remote attackers can leverage this access to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic to malicious servers, or establish backdoors within the network infrastructure. Network administrators lose visibility into their network's configuration, as attackers can modify logging settings to avoid detection while simultaneously changing network parameters to facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised router as a pivot point for accessing internal network resources, potentially leading to lateral movement and escalation of privileges. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to network security posture and can result in complete network compromise, particularly in environments where the router serves as a gateway or firewall device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2402 require immediate action to address the default credential configuration. Network administrators should change the default SNMP community strings to strong, unique values that follow industry best practices for password complexity and uniqueness. The SNMP community strings should be configured with the minimum required privileges, limiting access to only necessary functions and data. Implementing network segmentation and access control lists can help reduce the attack surface by restricting access to the router's management interfaces. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar default credential issues across all network equipment. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and SNMP traffic anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement firmware update policies to ensure that all network devices receive security patches and updates from vendors, as this vulnerability was likely addressed in subsequent firmware versions. Compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 can help establish comprehensive security controls that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1078 technique for Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage default credentials to establish persistent access, while also mapping to T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as attackers typically discover these vulnerable devices through network reconnaissance activities.