CVE-2003-1482 in MN-500 Wireless Base Station
Summary
by MITRE
The backup configuration file for Microsoft MN-500 wireless base station stores administrative passwords in plaintext, which allows local users to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1482 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft MN-500 wireless base station configuration that directly violates fundamental principles of secure password storage and access control. This issue stems from the improper handling of administrative credentials within the device's backup configuration file, creating a persistent security weakness that exposes the entire wireless infrastructure to unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically affects the backup functionality of the wireless base station, which is designed to facilitate system administration and configuration management but inadvertently creates a backdoor for malicious actors who gain local access to the device.
The technical flaw manifests in the plaintext storage of administrative passwords within the backup configuration file, which constitutes a direct violation of security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-522. This vulnerability allows local users to gain unauthorized access to the wireless base station by simply reading the backup configuration file, which contains passwords in an easily readable format without any form of encryption or obfuscation. The implementation of plaintext password storage in configuration files directly enables privilege escalation attacks and provides attackers with immediate administrative access to the wireless network infrastructure, bypassing all normal authentication mechanisms and security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any network that relies on the Microsoft MN-500 wireless base station for connectivity. Local users with access to the device can leverage this weakness to gain full administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete network compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and the ability to modify network configurations to establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001, which covers registry run keys and startup folder, as the backup configuration file may contain information that could be used to maintain access or escalate privileges within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper access controls to restrict local access to the wireless base station and ensuring that backup configuration files are properly secured with appropriate file permissions and encryption. Network administrators should also implement regular security audits to identify and remove any plaintext password storage within configuration files, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include updating device firmware to versions that properly encrypt administrative credentials within backup files and implementing centralized network management solutions that reduce the reliance on local configuration files for administrative access.