CVE-2008-1256 in P-660HW
Summary
by MITRE
The ZyXEL P-660HW series router has "admin" as its default password, which allows remote attackers to gain administrative access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2017
The ZyXEL P-660HW series router represents a critical security vulnerability stemming from poor default configuration practices that have persisted for over a decade. This device, manufactured by ZyXEL, a well-known networking equipment provider, ships with a hardcoded administrative password of "admin" which remains unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. The vulnerability exists in the authentication mechanism of the router's web-based management interface, where the default credentials are not only predictable but also universally known within the cybersecurity community. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure default configuration, creating an exploitable entry point that requires no specialized knowledge or advanced techniques to compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the router's web interface authentication system which fails to enforce strong credential policies or require password changes during initial setup. When attackers access the router's management interface through a web browser, they can simply enter "admin" as the username and password without any additional authentication barriers. This weak authentication mechanism allows unauthorized individuals to gain full administrative privileges over the device, including access to network configuration settings, firewall rules, DNS configuration, and other critical network parameters. The vulnerability is classified as a default credential weakness that aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software and systems. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent risk that remains exploitable as long as the device remains in its default state without user intervention.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to completely compromise the network security posture of organizations using these devices. Once administrative access is obtained, attackers can modify routing tables, redirect traffic through malicious servers, disable security features, and establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability has been classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access tactic, specifically targeting the T1078 technique of Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage default or weak credentials to maintain access to systems. The implications for network security are severe, as these routers often serve as the primary gateway for network traffic, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent network access or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks. Organizations that fail to change default passwords on these devices face potential data breaches, network disruption, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and operational consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate password changes during initial device setup and the implementation of robust network access controls. Network administrators should ensure that all default credentials are changed upon device deployment and that strong, unique passwords are implemented for administrative access. The recommended approach involves establishing a centralized password management system to track and rotate administrative credentials across all network devices. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface, disable unnecessary services, and regularly audit network device configurations to identify and remediate similar default credential issues. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous administrative activities that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of network device lifecycle management and the need for regular security assessments to identify and address similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components that may be equally vulnerable to default credential exploitation attacks.