CVE-2007-3465 in Safe@Office 500 Utm
Summary
by MITRE
Check Point SofaWare Safe@Office, with firmware before Embedded NGX 7.0.45 GA, has a certain default password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3465 affects Check Point SofaWare Safe@Office appliances running firmware versions prior to Embedded NGX 7.0.45 GA, representing a critical security weakness in network security infrastructure. This issue stems from the implementation of default authentication credentials that remain unchanged after device deployment, creating a persistent security risk for organizations relying on these appliances for network protection. The vulnerability directly impacts the authentication mechanism of the device, allowing unauthorized access to the system through pre-configured default passwords that are widely known and documented within security communities.
This flaw represents a classic implementation error categorized under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems. The vulnerability exists at the authentication layer where the system fails to enforce proper credential management practices during initial device configuration. The default password configuration creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can exploit without requiring advanced techniques or significant resources, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where security is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with potential entry points into critical network infrastructure. Once compromised, the appliance can be used to monitor network traffic, manipulate security policies, or serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the network perimeter. The vulnerability affects the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the protected network environment, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive data and network resources. Organizations using affected appliances face significant risk of data breaches, network infiltration, and compromise of their overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to Embedded NGX 7.0.45 GA or later versions that address the default password issue. Network administrators must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected appliances and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented. The remediation process should include changing default passwords to strong, unique credentials for each device, implementing proper access control policies, and establishing regular security audit procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and ensuring that default configurations are properly secured before deployment in production environments.