CVE-2004-2048 in Thintune Extreme
Summary
by MITRE
radmin in eSeSIX Thintune thin clients running firmware 2.4.38 and earlier starts a process port 25072 that can be accessed with a default "jstwo" password, which allows remote attackers to gain access.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2048 affects eSeSIX Thintune thin clients operating with firmware versions 2.4.38 and earlier, specifically targeting the radmin service component. This security flaw represents a classic default credential vulnerability that has persisted in embedded systems and thin client architectures for years. The affected devices operate with a hardcoded password "jstwo" for the radmin service running on port 25072, creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the radmin service initiating a network listener on TCP port 25072 without proper authentication mechanisms or access controls. The service employs a default authentication scheme where the username "jstwo" is paired with the same password value, creating a predictable authentication vector. Network reconnaissance tools can easily identify this listening service, and the default credentials provide immediate access to the system without requiring any specialized knowledge or advanced exploitation techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in embedded system design and highlights the dangers of leaving default administrative accounts enabled in production environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2048 is significant for organizations deploying eSeSIX Thintune thin clients, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to the underlying system. Once compromised, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access sensitive data stored on the thin client, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for lateral movement, as the default credentials provide an authentic path for attackers to move within the network. Organizations may experience data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the sensitivity of data processed by these thin clients.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating the firmware to versions that either disable the radmin service or implement proper authentication mechanisms with unique, non-default credentials. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to port 25072, ensuring that only authorized management systems can reach the thin clients. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that default accounts and services are disabled, and network monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure-by-design principles and the critical need for organizations to maintain updated firmware and implement proper access controls in their thin client deployments.