CVE-2003-0934 in Portable Data Terminal
Summary
by MITRE
Symbol Access Portable Data Terminal (PDT) 8100 does not hide the default WEP keys if they are not changed, which could allow attackers to retrieve the keys and gain access to the wireless network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The CVE-2003-0934 vulnerability affects the Symbol Access Portable Data Terminal PDT 8100 device, which represents a critical security flaw in wireless network configuration. This vulnerability stems from the device's default configuration where WEP keys remain unaltered and publicly accessible, creating an exploitable condition that undermines wireless network security. The device manufacturer failed to implement proper key management practices during the initial setup process, leaving default credentials exposed and accessible to unauthorized parties. This issue specifically impacts enterprise and industrial wireless deployments where these devices are commonly utilized for data collection and communication purposes.
The technical flaw resides in the device's wireless security implementation where default WEP keys are not automatically changed during the initial provisioning process. This configuration error creates a persistent security weakness that allows attackers with minimal technical expertise to gain network access through simple reconnaissance techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in the principle of least privilege and secure default configurations, as the device does not enforce mandatory key rotation or implement proper access controls for wireless security parameters. The exposed WEP keys provide attackers with direct access to the wireless network infrastructure, bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to establish persistent network presence and potentially escalate privileges within the affected wireless domain. An attacker who successfully retrieves the default WEP keys can decrypt wireless traffic, gain access to connected systems, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources, particularly in environments where the PDT 8100 devices serve as critical communication endpoints for business operations. The exposure creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including mandatory key rotation procedures, network segmentation strategies, and enhanced monitoring of wireless network access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and the necessity of changing default credentials across all networked devices. Mitigation strategies should encompass regular security assessments, implementation of network access control policies, and enforcement of mandatory security updates. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1071 for application layer protocols. Organizations must also consider implementing wireless intrusion detection systems and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar insecure configurations across their network infrastructure.