CVE-2011-3997 in Img4000 Console Server
Summary
by MITRE
Opengear console servers with firmware before 2.2.1 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication, and modify settings or access connected equipment, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3997 affects Opengear console servers running firmware versions prior to 2.2.1, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of network infrastructure devices. This vulnerability resides within the firmware implementation of these industrial console servers, which are commonly deployed in data centers and network operations centers to provide secure out-of-band management access to network equipment. The affected devices serve as critical gateways for administrators to manage and monitor connected network infrastructure, making their security paramount to overall network defense.
The technical nature of this authentication bypass vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms within the firmware's authentication subsystem. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to circumvent the normal authentication process, gaining unauthorized access to the console server's administrative interface. This flaw allows remote attackers to perform privileged operations without proper credentials, effectively providing them with full administrative control over the device. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity, enabling attacks from anywhere on the internet. The underlying issue likely involves improper session management, weak credential validation, or flawed authorization checks that permit unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected console servers. Once exploited, attackers can modify critical system settings, access connected network equipment, and potentially gain access to sensitive network infrastructure that relies on these console servers for management. This compromise can lead to widespread network disruption, unauthorized data access, and potential exfiltration of sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of network operations, as attackers can manipulate configurations, monitor traffic, or redirect connections to malicious endpoints. Organizations relying on Opengear console servers for network management face significant risk of service disruption and potential compromise of their entire network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 2.2.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass flaw. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation categories. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should be strengthened to prevent similar issues in other network infrastructure devices, with particular attention to industrial control systems and network management equipment that may harbor similar authentication weaknesses.