CVE-2006-1002 in WGT624
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR WGT624 Wireless DSL router has a default account of super_username "Gearguy" and super_passwd "Geardog", which allows remote attackers to modify the configuration. NOTE: followup posts have suggested that this might not occur with all WGT624 routers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2017
The CVE-2006-1002 vulnerability affects NETGEAR WGT624 Wireless DSL routers and represents a classic default credential security flaw that has significant implications for network device security. This vulnerability stems from the router's configuration where manufacturers embedded hardcoded administrative credentials to facilitate initial setup and configuration processes. The specific default username "Gearguy" and password "Geardog" create a persistent security weakness that remains exploitable across multiple router models, despite the manufacturer's initial intent to provide easy access for legitimate users.
This vulnerability operates under the CWE-798 weakness category, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software and hardware systems. The flaw allows remote attackers to gain administrative access to the router's configuration interface without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or prior exploitation. The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the attacker can modify critical router settings including firewall configurations, port forwarding rules, DNS settings, and other network parameters that control traffic flow and device access. This represents a fundamental breach of the principle of least privilege, where default credentials provide unrestricted administrative capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests in several attack vectors that align with ATT&CK techniques such as credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access points within networks, potentially using the router as a foothold for further lateral movement. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise and residential network environments. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying potentially compromised devices without active monitoring, as the default credentials may remain unchanged throughout the device's operational lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate credential changes upon device deployment, as recommended by industry best practices and NIST guidelines for network security. Organizations must implement comprehensive asset inventory management to identify all affected devices and ensure that default credentials are promptly changed to strong, unique administrative passwords. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while regular security audits should verify that default credentials have not been reinstated during device maintenance or firmware updates. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure device configuration practices and the need for manufacturers to implement proper authentication mechanisms that do not rely on hardcoded credentials for administrative access.