CVE-2005-2862 in ADSL Road Runner modem
Summary
by MITRE
ADSL Road Runner modem in the Annex A family has a service running on port 224, which allows remote attackers to login to the modem with a blank password and gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2017
The CVE-2005-2862 vulnerability affects ADSL Road Runner modems within the Annex A family, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized remote access through a service operating on TCP port 224. This vulnerability stems from improper authentication mechanisms within the modem's firmware, specifically allowing login attempts with blank passwords. The affected modems expose a service on port 224 that typically handles administrative functions, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain full control over the device. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture, where the default configuration fails to enforce proper authentication protocols. This issue falls under CWE-255, which addresses insecure authentication mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the default blank password credentials to establish unauthorized access. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it affects a widely deployed class of networking equipment, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and residential environments where such modems serve as primary network gateways.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the modem's service listening on port 224 without requiring any authentication credentials, allowing any remote attacker to connect and attempt login with an empty password field. This design flaw typically stems from developers prioritizing ease of deployment over security considerations, resulting in default configurations that assume trusted network environments. The service likely operates using a proprietary protocol or standard networking service that was intended for legitimate administrative purposes but lacks proper access controls. When an attacker connects to port 224, the service responds to authentication attempts with blank credentials, effectively bypassing any security measures that might normally be in place. This behavior creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until the device is physically rebooted or the service is manually disabled, making it particularly problematic for long-term network security. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security by design principles where default settings are intentionally insecure, violating fundamental security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and other security frameworks.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2862 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for network integrity and data confidentiality. Once an attacker gains access to the modem through this vulnerability, they can manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, monitor network communications, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The compromised modem becomes a potential conduit for man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS poisoning, or other malicious activities that can affect multiple devices connected to the network. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify Quality of Service settings, potentially causing network disruption or creating denial of service conditions. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability violates various regulatory requirements including HIPAA for healthcare networks, PCI DSS for payment processing environments, and SOX for financial reporting systems. Organizations may face legal consequences and financial penalties for failing to secure critical network infrastructure components. The long-term implications include potential data breaches, network infiltration, and the establishment of persistent access points that can be used for extended periods without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2862 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected modems from critical network segments, effectively limiting the potential damage from exploitation. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or blocking access to port 224 through firewall rules and network access control lists, preventing remote connections to the vulnerable service. Device-specific mitigations include updating firmware to versions that address the authentication flaw, although many legacy modems in the Annex A family may no longer receive security updates from manufacturers. Network administrators should consider replacing affected modems with newer models that implement proper authentication mechanisms and do not expose unnecessary services on public interfaces. Implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns on port 224 can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits should verify that no devices in the network are running vulnerable firmware versions, and that default configurations have been hardened to prevent similar issues. The vulnerability highlights the importance of conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure, particularly legacy equipment that may not receive ongoing security support. Organizations should also implement robust patch management processes to ensure that all network equipment receives timely security updates and that default configurations are reviewed for security compliance.