CVE-2005-2583 in ADSL-FR4II router
Summary
by MITRE
Mentor ADSL-FR4II router running firmware 2.00.0111 has an undocumented web server running on TCP port 5678, which allows local users to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2017
The CVE-2005-2583 vulnerability involves a critical security flaw in Mentor ADSL-FR4II router firmware version 2.00.0111 where an undocumented web server operates on TCP port 5678. This represents a classic case of insecure default configuration where administrative services are exposed without proper authentication mechanisms or access controls. The vulnerability stems from the router's firmware implementation that fails to properly secure its management interfaces, creating an unexpected attack surface that bypasses standard network security assumptions. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where network services are made accessible to unintended users or systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the router's firmware automatically launching a web server process on an obscure port without requiring authentication or proper authorization checks. Local users who have access to the network can connect to TCP port 5678 and gain administrative access to the router's management interface. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability since the default configuration allows unauthenticated access to administrative functions that should only be available to authorized personnel. The flaw demonstrates poor security by design principles where the system does not follow the principle of least privilege, exposing management interfaces to any local user who can discover the port.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected router models, as it provides unauthorized local access to critical network infrastructure configuration. Attackers can modify router settings, change network configurations, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network. This vulnerability enables lateral movement within local networks and can serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks. The exposure of administrative interfaces through undocumented ports creates a situation where network defenders may not even be aware of these access points, making detection and mitigation more challenging. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2583 should focus on immediate network segmentation and access control implementation. Organizations must first identify and disable the undocumented web server service on port 5678 through firmware updates or configuration changes. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block access to this port from unauthorized networks and establish proper network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure and implementing proper patch management processes. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access control policies that restrict local administrative access to network devices and establish procedures for identifying and documenting all active network services. The remediation process should include verifying that the firmware has been updated to a version that properly secures management interfaces and removes the undocumented web server component.