CVE-2008-6577 in CS1000
Summary
by MITRE
Nortel MG1000S, Signaling Server, and Call Server on the Communications Server 1000 (CS1K) 4.50.x contain multiple unspecified hard-coded accounts and passwords, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6577 affects Nortel MG1000S signaling servers and call servers within the Communications Server 1000 (CS1K) version 4.50.x systems. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the inclusion of hard-coded accounts and passwords within the software implementation. The presence of such hardcoded credentials creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that remains active regardless of system updates or password changes, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the affected telecommunication infrastructure. These hard-coded accounts typically exist in the system firmware or software binaries and are designed to provide administrative access for maintenance purposes, but their inclusion in production environments without proper safeguards creates significant exposure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations. The flaw operates at the system level where default authentication mechanisms are embedded within the application code rather than being dynamically generated or managed through secure configuration processes. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring any prior authentication, as the hard-coded credentials remain accessible through standard network protocols used for system administration. The vulnerability essentially provides a persistent entry point that bypasses normal authentication procedures and allows unauthorized individuals to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to telecommunication networks that rely on Nortel CS1K systems for voice and data services. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially access critical communication infrastructure from anywhere on the network, leading to service disruption, unauthorized access to sensitive communication data, and potential network-wide compromise. The hard-coded credentials could enable attackers to manipulate call routing, access voicemail systems, intercept communications, or even disable critical telephony services that organizations depend upon for business continuity. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise and carrier networks where the CS1000 systems manage large volumes of critical communications traffic, making it a high-value target for both criminal organizations and nation-state actors.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting. Network reconnaissance activities would likely precede exploitation attempts as attackers identify systems running the vulnerable software versions. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, attackers maintain access even after system reboots or routine maintenance operations. Security organizations should consider implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface and monitor for unusual authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Mitigation strategies include immediate deployment of vendor patches if available, network monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and comprehensive credential management practices that eliminate the use of hard-coded accounts in production environments. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure that default credentials are changed or disabled across all networked systems.