CVE-2004-0477 in OfficeConnect Remote 812 ADSL Router
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in 3Com OfficeConnect Remote 812 ADSL Router allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via repeated attempts using any username and password. NOTE: this identifier was inadvertently re-used for another issue due to a typo; that issue was assigned CVE-2004-0447. This candidate is ONLY for the ADSL router bypass.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0477 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the 3Com OfficeConnect Remote 812 ADSL Router firmware. This issue stems from a fundamental design weakness in the router's access control mechanisms that allows unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges through brute force techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects the router's authentication subsystem where repeated login attempts with any combination of usernames and passwords can successfully bypass the security controls, effectively rendering the authentication process ineffective. This type of flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a severe failure in the router's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the router's authentication logic where the system fails to properly enforce account lockout mechanisms or implement proper session management controls. When attackers repeatedly attempt to log in with various username and password combinations, the system does not adequately track failed attempts or implement rate limiting measures that would normally prevent such brute force exploitation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and affects the web-based administrative interface that typically requires proper authentication before granting access to configuration settings. This authentication bypass allows attackers to access sensitive router configuration parameters, modify network settings, and potentially establish persistent access to the internal network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access to router configuration interfaces. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete administrative control over the router, enabling them to modify firewall rules, change DNS settings, configure port forwarding, and potentially redirect network traffic. This level of access provides attackers with a valuable foothold for further network infiltration, as the router often serves as a gateway between internal and external networks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed consumer-grade router model, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns. The lack of proper authentication enforcement creates a persistent security risk that remains active until the router firmware is updated or the device is physically secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from 3Com, as the manufacturer would have released patches addressing the authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures such as disabling remote administrative access when possible, using static IP addresses for router management, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication bypass weaknesses and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual login patterns and automated authentication attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and network monitoring are essential to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts targeting this specific authentication flaw.