CVE-2005-0865 in Samsung ADSL Modem
Summary
by MITRE
Samsung ADSL Modem SMDK8947v1.2 uses default passwords for the (1) root, (2) admin, or (3) user users, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via Telnet or an HTTP request to adsl.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The Samsung ADSL Modem SMDK8947v1.2 represents a significant security vulnerability through its implementation of default authentication credentials across multiple administrative user accounts. This device configuration exposes critical system access points through the use of hardcoded passwords that remain unchanged from the factory default settings, creating an exploitable condition that persists throughout the device's operational lifecycle. The vulnerability specifically affects three distinct user roles including root, admin, and user accounts, each providing different levels of system access and control. The presence of these default credentials creates a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture, as the default passwords are well-documented and readily available within security databases, making them easily discoverable by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that leverage the default credential weakness. The first vector utilizes Telnet protocol access, which allows attackers to establish unencrypted remote connections to the device's command shell interface. This approach bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and provides direct access to the underlying system commands and configuration interfaces. The second vector targets the adsl.cgi web interface component, which processes HTTP requests and accepts the default credentials for administrative access. This web-based exploitation method demonstrates how default credentials can compromise not only network services but also web applications that serve as primary access points for device management. Both attack vectors operate without requiring specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate unauthorized access to encompass broader security implications for network infrastructure and data protection. Remote attackers who successfully exploit these default credentials can assume complete control over the modem's configuration, potentially modifying network settings, disabling security features, or redirecting traffic to malicious destinations. The root account access enables attackers to modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. Administrative privileges allow for network configuration changes that could disrupt services or create unauthorized network access points. User account access provides a stepping stone for further exploitation and reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the weakness of using default passwords and insufficient authentication mechanisms. The implications align with CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hard-coded credentials as a critical weakness, and represents a clear violation of NIST SP 800-53 security controls related to access control and system configuration management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves immediate credential rotation for all administrative accounts, ensuring that default passwords are replaced with strong, unique authentication credentials that meet industry standards for password complexity. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the modem's management interfaces, particularly limiting Telnet and HTTP access to trusted network segments only. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar default credential issues across network infrastructure devices. The implementation of network access control lists and secure remote access protocols such as SSH instead of Telnet provides additional layers of protection. Organizations should also establish device management policies that mandate immediate credential changes upon device deployment and regular authentication reviews. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of following the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how default configurations can create persistent security risks that require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The exploitation of this vulnerability underscores the necessity of implementing robust device lifecycle management practices and highlights the critical role of security awareness in preventing widespread compromise of network infrastructure components.