CVE-2006-2045 in IP3 Netaccess 75
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) shadow password file in na-img-4.0.34.bin for the IP3 Networks NetAccess NA75 has world readable permissions, which allows local users to view encrypted passwords; and the (2) NetAccess database file has world readable and writable permissions, which allows local users to view sensitive information and modify data.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2045 represents a critical security flaw in the na-img-4.0.34.bin firmware image for IP3 Networks NetAccess NA75 devices. This issue stems from improper file permission configurations that expose sensitive system components to unauthorized local access. The vulnerability affects two distinct but related system files that together create a significant attack surface for local adversaries seeking to compromise the device's security posture. The root cause lies in the firmware's failure to implement proper access controls, specifically the absence of restrictive file permissions that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two primary vectors that collectively undermine the device's security model. The first vector involves the shadow password file which, due to world-readable permissions, allows any local user to access encrypted password hashes stored within the system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the system fails to enforce proper access controls for authentication-related data. The second vector targets the NetAccess database file which possesses both world-readable and world-writable permissions, creating a scenario where local users can not only extract sensitive information but also modify critical database content. This dual exposure creates a particularly dangerous condition where attackers can both discover system secrets and alter the underlying data structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses improper permission assignment, and specifically demonstrates the risks associated with insufficient access control mechanisms in embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full data integrity compromise. Local users who exploit these permissions can extract encrypted password information, potentially enabling credential reuse attacks against other systems or facilitating more sophisticated authentication bypass techniques. The writable database permissions amplify the risk significantly by allowing attackers to modify system configurations, corrupt data, or inject malicious entries that could persist across system restarts. This vulnerability particularly affects embedded network devices where local access is often assumed to be trusted, creating a false sense of security that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized control over system operations. The impact is further exacerbated by the fact that these permissions are typically set during firmware installation or system initialization, making them persistent across system sessions and difficult to detect through normal monitoring activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission correction combined with broader security hardening measures. The most critical immediate action involves changing file permissions to restrict access to the shadow password file and NetAccess database to only authorized system processes and administrators. This remediation directly addresses the root cause by implementing proper access controls as defined in security best practices for embedded systems. Organizations should also implement regular permission audits to identify and correct similar issues across their network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security guidelines such as those provided in the NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those addressing access control and data protection. Additionally, implementing proper system hardening procedures that include restrictive file permissions, regular security assessments, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. This case highlights the fundamental principle that embedded systems security cannot rely solely on network-level protections but must also enforce proper local access controls as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's access control concepts.