CVE-2011-0885 in Smcd3g-ccr Firmware
Summary
by MITRE
A certain Comcast Business Gateway configuration of the SMC SMCD3G-CCR with firmware before 1.4.0.49.2 has a default password of D0nt4g3tme for the mso account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain administrative access via the (1) web interface or (2) TELNET interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0885 affects Comcast Business Gateway devices running SMC SMCD3G-CCR firmware versions prior to 1.4.0.49.2. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from poor credential management practices within the device configuration. The default password D0nt4g3tme assigned to the mso account creates an easily exploitable path for unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions. This configuration flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in implementing secure default settings, which is a common weakness identified in various security frameworks including those referenced by the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) catalog.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to gain administrative privileges through two primary attack vectors: the web interface and the TELNET interface. This dual exposure significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers to successful exploitation. The web interface provides a graphical means of access that can be leveraged from any device with internet connectivity, while the TELNET interface offers a command-line approach that can be automated and scripted for mass exploitation. Both vectors represent different stages in the attack chain as outlined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the credential access and remote service access tactics.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential network compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker gains administrative access to the gateway device, they can modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malware, or establish persistence mechanisms within the network infrastructure. This represents a significant threat to network security as the gateway serves as a critical boundary device between internal networks and external internet connections. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a backdoor into the network that can be used for reconnaissance, lateral movement, and further attacks against internal systems.
The security implications of this default password configuration align with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, which covers the use of weak password mechanisms. Organizations deploying these devices face substantial risk without proper mitigation measures, as the default credentials are widely documented and easily accessible through various security databases and forums. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasizes the need for secure configuration management and regular security assessments. Effective mitigation requires immediate firmware updates to version 1.4.0.49.2 or later, along with comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential harvesting activities.
Organizations should implement mandatory credential change policies for all default accounts, establish network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues across network infrastructure components.