CVE-2009-5154 in S14
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on MOBOTIX S14 MX-V4.2.1.61 devices. There is a default password of meinsm for the admin account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2009-5154 represents a critical security weakness within MOBOTIX S14 MX-V4.2.1.61 network video surveillance devices. This issue stems from the device's configuration where the administrative account utilizes a hardcoded default password that has remained unchanged since the device's manufacturing. The default credential meinsm poses a significant risk to network security as it provides unauthorized parties with immediate administrative access to the device without requiring any additional authentication steps. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of poor credential management practices in embedded systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a weak authentication mechanism where the device's firmware fails to implement proper password policies or account management protocols. The default password meinsm remains static across all affected devices, eliminating any form of entropy or complexity that would normally deter unauthorized access attempts. This configuration creates an attack surface that aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The vulnerability exists at the application layer within the device's authentication system, where no mechanism exists to enforce password complexity requirements or to require administrators to change default credentials during initial setup.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the surveillance device. Once an attacker successfully authenticates using the default password, they can modify device configurations, access stored video footage, alter recording schedules, disable security features, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The device's role in network security makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for broader network compromise. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use for persistence and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators to address the exposed default credential. The primary recommendation involves changing the default administrative password to a strong, unique credential that meets complexity requirements and follows established security guidelines. Organizations should implement comprehensive device inventory management to identify all affected MOBOTIX devices and ensure proper credential management protocols are established. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit access to these devices, implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other network components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper device provisioning and initial configuration management as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-125 which emphasizes the need for secure device initialization processes to prevent default credential exploitation.