CVE-2005-0601 in Application
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco devices running Application and Content Networking System (ACNS) 4.x, 5.0, 5.1, or 5.2 use a default password when the setup dialog has not been run, which allows remote attackers to gain access.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0601 affects Cisco devices utilizing the Application and Content Networking System version 4.x through 5.2, representing a critical security flaw that stems from improper default configuration management. This issue specifically manifests when the initial setup dialog has not been completed during device deployment, leaving systems in a vulnerable state where default credentials remain active and accessible. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration practices, where manufacturers fail to enforce mandatory credential changes during the initial provisioning process, creating an exploitable condition that persists until manual intervention occurs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's default authentication mechanism that retains hardcoded credentials even when the system has not been properly configured through the setup wizard. When administrators fail to complete the initial configuration process, the device defaults to using preconfigured administrative credentials that are well-known and documented within security communities. This design flaw creates a persistent backdoor that remote attackers can exploit without requiring any specialized knowledge of the target system's specific configuration or network topology, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices are deployed without immediate administrative attention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected Cisco devices. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate network traffic routing, modify content delivery configurations, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems. The risk is amplified when considering that ACNS devices are often deployed in critical network infrastructure roles where unauthorized access could lead to significant service disruption or data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate administrative action to ensure all affected devices complete their initial setup processes and change default credentials. Network administrators must implement mandatory configuration procedures during device deployment that enforce credential changes before any network services are activated. The remediation process should include establishing secure baseline configurations that automatically disable default accounts and require explicit administrative intervention to enable them. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and consider deploying additional security controls such as network segmentation and access control lists to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security configuration management and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, where the default credentials provide an easy entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistent access within network environments.