CVE-2003-0126 in Routefinder 550
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface for SOHO Routefinder 550 firmware 4.63 and earlier, and possibly later versions, has a default "admin" account with a blank password, which could allow attackers on the LAN side to conduct unauthorized activities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2018
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2003-0126 represents a critical authentication flaw within the SOHO Routefinder 550 network device firmware ecosystem. This issue affects versions 4.63 and earlier, with potential exposure extending to subsequent releases, creating a persistent security weakness that undermines the integrity of network access controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the web interface component of the device, which serves as the primary administrative portal for configuring and managing network parameters. The flaw stems from the inclusion of a default administrative account with no password set, a configuration that violates fundamental security principles and creates an obvious entry point for unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. This weakness allows attackers who can access the local network segment to exploit the default administrative account without requiring any authentication credentials. The blank password configuration creates a trivial attack vector that requires no specialized tools or techniques, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access to the local network is possible. The vulnerability exists at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the web server component that handles administrative requests, and operates entirely within the LAN side of network infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to conduct unauthorized activities including but not limited to network configuration changes, access to sensitive network data, modification of firewall rules, and potential privilege escalation within the device's administrative interface. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the administrative account typically possesses full control over the device's functionality and network policies. Attackers could potentially redirect network traffic, disable security features, or establish backdoors that persist even after device reboots. The local network access requirement means that attackers must be within the same broadcast domain, but this limitation does not significantly reduce the risk given that many network environments lack proper segmentation and monitoring of local network traffic.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1068 for local privilege escalation. Network administrators who fail to address this issue create opportunities for attackers to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially compromising the entire local network segment. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in embedded device development and highlights the importance of proper authentication configuration during device deployment. Organizations implementing such network devices should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security assessment and implement immediate remediation measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of password changes for the default administrative account, preferably through the device's web interface or console access. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the device's web interface to authorized administrative workstations only. The device should be configured to disable default accounts and passwords, with new administrative credentials generated using strong password policies. Regular firmware updates should be implemented to address known vulnerabilities, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct periodic security assessments to identify and remediate similar default credential vulnerabilities across their entire network infrastructure.