CVE-2005-2586 in ADSL-FR4II router
Summary
by MITRE
Mentor ADSL-FR4II router running firmware 2.00.0111 stores the web administration password in cleartext in the backup configuration file, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The CVE-2005-2586 vulnerability affects the Mentor ADSL-FR4II router firmware version 2.00.011, presenting a significant security flaw in how the device handles administrative credentials. This issue stems from the router's improper configuration management practices where the web administration password is stored in plain text format within the backup configuration file. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture and demonstrates poor cryptographic practices in credential storage.
The technical flaw manifests when local users can access the router's backup configuration file, which contains the administrative password in an easily readable format without any form of encryption or obfuscation. This cleartext storage violates fundamental security principles and creates an immediate privilege escalation vector for any attacker with local access to the device. The vulnerability specifically impacts the router's configuration management system where sensitive authentication data should be protected through proper encryption mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure data handling practices in embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with full administrative control over the router's configuration and network settings. Local users who can access the backup configuration file gain immediate access to the administrative interface, potentially allowing them to modify firewall rules, change network settings, disable security features, or establish backdoor access. The vulnerability affects the router's integrity and confidentiality by exposing sensitive administrative credentials that should remain protected. This weakness can be exploited to compromise the entire network infrastructure controlled by the router, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise or home network environments where the router serves as the primary gateway.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2586 should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by the vendor, as well as administrative measures to limit local access to the device. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized access to router configuration files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines for embedded system security. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and regular security audits to identify similar credential storage issues in other network devices. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of proper input validation and secure configuration management practices, which are fundamental requirements in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar cleartext storage issues in network infrastructure devices.