CVE-2004-2691 in SuperStack 3 Switch
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in 3Com SuperStack 3 4400 switches with firmware version before 3.31 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device reset) via a crafted request to the web management interface. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; details are obtained from third party reports.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2691 affects 3Com SuperStack 3 4400 network switches running firmware versions prior to 3.31, representing a critical security flaw in enterprise networking infrastructure. This issue manifests through the web management interface of the affected switches, where malicious actors can exploit a weakness to trigger unauthorized device resets. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of network communications, specifically targeting the switch's web-based administrative interface that administrators use to configure and manage switch operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability in the original description indicates that the precise technical mechanism remains unclear, though it is classified as a denial of service condition that can disrupt network operations. This type of vulnerability represents a significant concern for network administrators as it allows remote attackers to compromise switch availability without requiring physical access or complex exploitation techniques. The web management interface serves as a primary attack surface for network devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where switch availability directly impacts network operations.
The technical flaw in the 3Com SuperStack 3 4400 switches stems from inadequate input validation within the web management interface implementation, allowing crafted requests to bypass normal operational controls and trigger system resets. This weakness falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, where the device fails to properly validate or sanitize input received through the web interface. The vulnerability enables attackers to send malicious requests that cause the switch to reset its operational state, effectively removing it from network service for an extended period. The attack vector operates over the network, requiring no local access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for unsecured network environments. The device reset operation essentially causes a temporary loss of network connectivity for all devices connected to the switch, potentially disrupting critical business operations. The exploitation process likely involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests or parameters that trigger an exception in the web server component of the switch firmware, leading to an uncontrolled system restart.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can cause cascading failures in network infrastructure when multiple switches are affected or when the reset occurs during critical network operations. Network administrators may experience significant downtime while restoring switch functionality and reconfiguring network parameters after each attack. The vulnerability affects enterprise network reliability and can be particularly damaging in mission-critical environments where network availability is paramount. Organizations may face financial losses due to extended network outages, reduced productivity, and potential security implications from unauthorized access attempts. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, making it accessible to a wide range of threat actors including script kiddies and organized attack groups. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks, as the device reset can be used as a precursor to other exploitation techniques or as a method to obscure malicious activities by disrupting normal network monitoring operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how network infrastructure vulnerabilities can be weaponized to compromise availability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware upgrades to version 3.31 or later, which addresses the underlying input validation issues in the web management interface. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to switch management interfaces to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Access control measures including strong authentication mechanisms, network access control lists, and regular security audits can help prevent unauthorized access to switch management interfaces. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or repeated reset attempts can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when they are not actively needed for configuration purposes. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of network infrastructure can help identify similar weaknesses in other network devices. The remediation process should include thorough testing of firmware updates in non-production environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing network configurations. Additionally, implementing network redundancy measures and backup routing protocols can help maintain network availability during potential exploitation events. Security awareness training for network administrators can also help prevent social engineering attacks that might attempt to gain unauthorized access to switch management interfaces.