CVE-2005-3196 in FGSW2402RS
Summary
by MITRE
Planet Technology Corp FGSW2402RS switch with firmware 1.2 has a default password, which allows attackers with physical access to the device s serial port to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3196 affects the Planet Technology Corp FGSW2402RS network switch running firmware version 1.2, representing a critical security weakness that stems from poor credential management practices. This particular device, designed for enterprise network infrastructure, contains a hardcoded default password that remains unchanged even after device provisioning, creating an inherent security risk that directly violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker gains physical access to the device's serial port, which represents a common attack vector in environments where physical security controls are insufficient.
The technical flaw resides in the implementation of authentication mechanisms within the switch's firmware, where default credentials are not only pre-configured but also persistent across device lifecycle events. This design choice aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems, and represents a failure in secure configuration management practices. The default password allows unauthorized individuals to bypass normal authentication procedures and immediately gain administrative privileges, effectively providing a backdoor into the network infrastructure. The serial port access requirement indicates that this vulnerability is primarily exploitable in environments where physical security is inadequate, though it also demonstrates poor security engineering that could be leveraged through various attack vectors including supply chain compromise or insider threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to manipulate network configurations, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Once authenticated, an attacker could modify routing tables, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where network switches are deployed in accessible locations or where physical security controls are insufficient, making it a significant concern for organizations following security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 that emphasize the importance of secure configuration management. Network administrators who rely on default settings without proper credential rotation face substantial risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Organizations should implement immediate credential rotation procedures, changing default passwords to strong, unique credentials for all network devices, which directly addresses the CWE-798 vulnerability classification. Physical security controls must be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access to device serial ports, including securing device locations and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized configuration changes, while regular security audits should verify that default credentials have been properly addressed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security standards such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where physical access to network infrastructure represents a critical entry point that organizations must defend against through comprehensive security controls. Regular firmware updates and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to ensure that devices are not running outdated software with known security weaknesses.