CVE-2004-1320 in FM2008 Managed Ethernet Switch
Summary
by MITRE
Asante FM2008 running firmware 1.06 is shipped with a default username and password, which could allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2017
The CVE-2004-1320 vulnerability affects the Asante FM2008 network security appliance running firmware version 1.06, representing a critical authentication weakness that exposes network infrastructure to unauthorized access. This device, designed for firewall and network security management, was shipped with hardcoded credentials that remained unchanged from the factory default, creating a persistent security risk across multiple deployments. The vulnerability stems from poor security practices in the device's initial configuration process, where manufacturers failed to implement proper credential generation or require administrative changes during first-time setup. This default credential exposure directly violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of insecure default configuration as outlined in CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software.
The technical flaw manifests through the device's authentication mechanism that does not enforce credential changes upon initial system access, allowing any remote attacker who can reach the device's management interface to authenticate using the well-known default username and password combination. This weakness operates at the application layer of the network stack and can be exploited through standard network protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, or SNMP, depending on the device's configured services. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no specialized knowledge or advanced exploitation techniques, making it accessible to even novice attackers. The default credentials create a persistent backdoor that remains active until manually changed by system administrators, and in many cases, administrators never discover or address this configuration oversight.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete network compromise and unauthorized modification of firewall rules, access control policies, and other critical security configurations. Attackers can leverage the compromised device to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect network traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers can easily identify and exploit the default credentials to gain initial access. The long-term consequences include potential data breaches, network reconnaissance, and the ability to use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1320 require immediate administrative action to change the default credentials and implement proper access control measures. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure that default credentials are changed during initial deployment and whenever devices are reconfigured. The recommended approach involves implementing strong password policies, enabling multi-factor authentication where available, and establishing regular security audits to detect unauthorized changes. Security controls should include network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, implementing secure remote access protocols, and ensuring that all devices are configured with unique, complex credentials rather than default values. This vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper system hardening as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, where proper credential management and access control are fundamental requirements for maintaining network security.