CVE-2006-1003 in WGT624
Summary
by MITRE
The backup configuration option in NETGEAR WGT624 Wireless Firewall Router stores sensitive information in cleartext, which allows remote attackers to obtain passwords and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2015
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1003 resides within the NETGEAR WGT624 Wireless Firewall Router, specifically within its backup configuration functionality. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly violates fundamental principles of information security by storing sensitive authentication credentials in an unencrypted format. The router's backup feature, designed to facilitate configuration management and system recovery, inadvertently creates a persistent security risk by maintaining passwords and other privileged information in cleartext format within the exported configuration files. This design decision creates an exploitable vector that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to network administrative credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate data protection mechanisms within the router's configuration management system. When users export their router configuration through the backup feature, the system fails to properly encrypt or obfuscate sensitive parameters including administrative passwords, wireless network keys, and other privileged credentials. This cleartext storage approach directly corresponds to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials. The flaw exists at the application layer where configuration data is serialized and exported without appropriate security controls, making the exported files immediately readable by any attacker who gains access to them.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass full network compromise and privilege escalation capabilities. Remote attackers who can access the backup configuration files can immediately extract administrative passwords and use them to gain full control over the router's management interface. This access enables attackers to modify firewall rules, change network settings, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a direct path to lateral movement within the network, as attackers can leverage these credentials to access other networked devices and systems that may share similar authentication mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use the compromised credentials to establish persistent access and further reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of both operational and technical controls. Network administrators should disable the backup configuration feature entirely if it is not actively required, or implement strict access controls limiting who can access the backup functionality. The most effective immediate solution involves ensuring that all exported configuration files are properly encrypted using strong cryptographic algorithms before storage or transmission. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to verify that no sensitive information is being stored in cleartext formats within network device configurations. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to router management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53, particularly controls related to configuration management and access control. Regular firmware updates should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, and network administrators should adopt zero-trust security models that verify all access attempts regardless of their source. The incident underscores the critical need for security by design principles in network infrastructure devices, where sensitive information should never be stored in cleartext formats without explicit cryptographic protection mechanisms.