CVE-2005-2027 in Vertical Horizon-2402s
Summary
by MITRE
Enterasys Vertical Horizon VH-2402S before firmware 2.05.05.09 does not properly restrict certain debugging commands to the ADMIN account, which could allow attackers to obtain sensitive information or modify the registry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2027 affects Enterasys Vertical Horizon VH-2402S network infrastructure devices running firmware versions prior to 2.05.05.09. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of network management systems by failing to properly enforce administrative privileges for sensitive debugging operations. The issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the device's command processing mechanism, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to escalate their privileges and access restricted system functions.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's failure to properly validate user credentials when executing specific debugging commands. These commands, which should be restricted to ADMIN level accounts, can be invoked by users with lower privileges, effectively bypassing the intended security model. This misconfiguration allows attackers to execute operations that could reveal sensitive system information, modify registry entries, and potentially alter the device's operational parameters. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization controls that govern access to administrative functions within the network device's operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify system registry entries that control device behavior and configuration settings. This could result in unauthorized changes to network policies, access controls, or operational parameters that compromise network integrity and availability. The ability to execute debugging commands without proper authentication creates a persistent backdoor that could be exploited for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access while potentially conducting reconnaissance activities or preparing for more sophisticated attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.05.05.09 or later, as this addresses the core authorization bypass issue. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized command execution attempts and review access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar authorization flaws in other network devices and implement proper principle of least privilege controls across all administrative interfaces.