CVE-2003-1357 in Proxyview
Summary
by MITRE
ProxyView has a default administrator password of Administrator for Embedded Windows NT, which allows remote attackers to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1357 relates to ProxyView software that ships with a hardcoded default administrator password of "Administrator" for Embedded Windows NT systems. This represents a fundamental security flaw that directly violates core principles of secure system design and authentication. The presence of such a default credential creates an immediate and severe attack vector that requires no advanced exploitation techniques or prior knowledge of system internals. This vulnerability specifically affects systems running the Embedded Windows NT operating system where ProxyView is installed, making it particularly concerning for embedded environments that often lack the robust security measures found in enterprise systems.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic case of weak credential management and insecure default configuration practices. The flaw occurs at the authentication layer where the system fails to enforce proper password policies or require explicit credential changes during initial setup. This default credential scenario falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to gain administrative access without needing to perform any complex exploitation techniques, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation tools commonly used in cyber attacks. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these embedded systems are often deployed in environments where network accessibility is not properly restricted, creating additional exposure vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with full administrative privileges that can be used to manipulate system configurations, install malicious software, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access points. In embedded systems environments, this can lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of critical operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for industrial control systems, network infrastructure devices, or any embedded environment where ProxyView is used for remote management or monitoring functions. This type of vulnerability can be exploited by attackers at scale using automated tools that scan for known default credentials, making it a significant risk for organizations that have not properly secured their embedded infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to change the default credentials and implement proper access control measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running ProxyView with Embedded Windows NT and ensure that default administrative passwords are changed to strong, unique credentials. The implementation of secure password policies, regular credential rotation, and network segmentation can significantly reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-123 guidelines for credential management and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's focus on credential access tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit remote access to systems running ProxyView, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach these management interfaces. The remediation process should include proper security configuration management and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments.