CVE-2010-2668 in Alpha Ethernet Adapter Ii Web Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Adaptive Micro Systems ALPHA Ethernet Adapter II Web-Manager 3.40.2 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and read or write configuration files via unknown vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2668 affects the Adaptive Micro Systems ALPHA Ethernet Adapter II Web-Manager version 3.40.2, representing a critical security weakness in network infrastructure management software. This issue falls under the category of authentication bypass vulnerabilities, where unauthorized remote attackers can gain access to sensitive system configuration data without proper authorization. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may stem from multiple potential weaknesses within the web management interface implementation. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they enable attackers to manipulate network device configurations remotely, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures. The affected device operates as a network adapter with web-based management capabilities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit weak authentication mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the web manager component's failure to properly validate user credentials or implement adequate access controls for configuration file operations. This authentication bypass allows attackers to perform both read and write operations on system configuration files, which could include network settings, user accounts, security parameters, and other critical operational data. The vulnerability likely stems from improper session management, weak credential validation, or insecure direct object references within the web interface. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and potentially CWE-285 which covers inadequate authorization controls. The attack surface is widened by the fact that these web management interfaces are often accessible from external networks, making the exploitation process more straightforward for remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to fundamentally alter network configurations and potentially gain persistent access to the affected systems. Remote attackers could modify network parameters, disable security features, create backdoor accounts, or redirect traffic to malicious endpoints. The ability to read configuration files exposes sensitive information such as passwords, network topology details, and system settings that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad, compromising both confidentiality and integrity of network infrastructure data. Organizations relying on this equipment may face significant security breaches, network disruption, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, making it a particularly dangerous issue for enterprise and industrial network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, along with comprehensive patch management procedures. Organizations must ensure that all affected ALPHA Ethernet Adapter II devices are updated to versions that address the authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should implement strict access controls for web management interfaces, including mandatory use of secure protocols such as HTTPS with strong encryption, and disable unnecessary web management services when not required. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be categorized under T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, as attackers may exploit this weakness to establish persistent access. Additional defensive measures include implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns to management interfaces, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify authentication bypass attempts, and establishing robust network access control policies. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure components, as this type of authentication bypass vulnerability often indicates broader security implementation gaps.