CVE-2007-4361 in ReadyNAS RAIDiator
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR (formerly Infrant) ReadyNAS RAIDiator before 4.00b2-p2-T1 beta creates a default SSH root password derived from the hardware serial number, which makes it easier for remote attackers to guess the password and obtain login access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4361 represents a critical security flaw in NETGEAR ReadyNAS RAIDiator firmware versions prior to 4.00b2-p2-T1 beta. This issue stems from a poor security implementation where the system generates a default SSH root password using a deterministic algorithm based on the device's hardware serial number. The flaw creates a predictable authentication mechanism that significantly weakens the system's security posture and exposes devices to automated attack vectors. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of weak credential generation as classified by CWE-259 and CWE-521, representing a fundamental failure in authentication security design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to easily determine the root password by simply obtaining the device's serial number, which is often publicly available through device discovery protocols, network scanning tools, or even physical inspection of the hardware. The password derivation process eliminates the randomness and entropy that should characterize strong authentication credentials, making the system susceptible to brute force attacks, credential stuffing, and automated exploitation. This weakness directly violates security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-63B and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.001 for Brute Force and T1110.003 for Password Policy Violations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk for networked storage systems that are often deployed in enterprise environments. Once an attacker gains root access through this predictable password, they can execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access stored data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects a wide range of ReadyNAS devices and represents a significant concern for organizations relying on these storage solutions for critical data infrastructure. This flaw demonstrates a critical failure in the security lifecycle where proper credential management and secure default configurations were not implemented, creating a backdoor that undermines the entire security architecture of the device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to versions that implement proper random password generation for root accounts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, disabling unnecessary services like SSH when not required, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other devices with similar security flaws. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that default credentials are generated using cryptographically secure random number generators, as recommended in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security requirements. Additionally, system administrators should implement regular credential rotation policies and monitor for unauthorized access attempts, particularly in environments where the serial numbers of devices might be easily accessible to potential attackers.