CVE-2005-3721 in IP5000 VOIP WIFI Phone
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the HTTP server in Hitachi IP5000 VOIP WIFI Phone 1.5.6 does not require authentication for sensitive configuration pages, which allows remote attackers to modify configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3721 represents a critical security flaw in the Hitachi IP5000 VOIP WIFI Phone version 1.5.6, specifically within its embedded HTTP server implementation. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms that fail to enforce authentication requirements for sensitive administrative functions. The default configuration of the device's web interface exposes configuration pages that should be restricted to authorized personnel, creating an unauthorized access vector that can be exploited by remote attackers without any credentials.
This vulnerability fundamentally violates the principle of least privilege and authentication requirements that are essential for securing networked devices. The HTTP server in question operates with a default configuration that lacks proper authorization checks, allowing any remote attacker to access and modify critical system settings through the web interface. The flaw exists at the application layer of the network stack and specifically affects the authentication mechanism that should protect sensitive configuration parameters such as network settings, user accounts, and system policies. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness categorized under CWE-284: Improper Access Control, which directly impacts the device's ability to maintain proper security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected VoIP phone device. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to modify network configurations, potentially redirecting traffic through malicious proxies or altering DNS settings to facilitate man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, the attacker could modify user credentials, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors within the device. The consequences extend beyond the individual device to potentially compromise the broader network infrastructure, as VoIP phones often serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS, where compromised VoIP devices can be used to exfiltrate data or establish command and control channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3721 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate VoIP devices from critical network segments and apply firewall rules that restrict access to the device's web interface to authorized management stations only. The device configuration should be manually updated to enforce authentication requirements for all administrative functions, though this may require physical access to the device or a workaround due to the nature of the vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns or configuration changes originating from the affected device. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and demonstrates the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-125, which emphasizes the need for secure device configuration and access control. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations in other networked devices, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in device management practices.