CVE-2012-6340 in WGR614
Summary
by MITRE
An Authentication vulnerability exists in NETGEAR WGR614 v7 and v9 due to a hardcoded credential used for serial programming, a related issue to CVE-2006-1002.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6340 represents a critical authentication flaw affecting NETGEAR WGR614 v7 and v9 wireless routers. This issue stems from the improper implementation of serial programming access mechanisms within the device firmware, creating a persistent security weakness that has remained unresolved since earlier versions of the same product line. The vulnerability specifically targets the serial console interface that manufacturers use for device programming and diagnostics, exposing a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded credential that remains unchanged across all affected devices, creating a universal access point for unauthorized users who possess knowledge of the specific serial programming interface. This hardcoded password, which has been identified as a persistent weakness in the device firmware, allows attackers to gain direct access to the router's underlying system without requiring legitimate authentication. The flaw operates at the firmware level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional network-based authentication mechanisms and provides access to the device's core operational functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate device configurations, extract sensitive information, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within network infrastructure. Network administrators face significant risks when deploying these devices, as the hardcoded credentials can be discovered through various means including firmware analysis, public documentation, or reverse engineering efforts. The vulnerability affects not only individual device security but also broader network security posture, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for lateral movement within corporate networks.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations, and demonstrates how persistent security flaws can remain undetected across multiple firmware versions. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.001, which covers valid accounts used for unauthorized access, as the hardcoded credentials essentially provide unauthorized access through legitimate authentication mechanisms. Organizations using these devices face potential exploitation through supply chain attacks, where attackers may target these hardcoded credentials to gain initial access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure development practices, as proper credential management and secure boot processes should have prevented such persistent access points from being embedded in production firmware.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, though the hardcoded nature of the credential makes complete remediation challenging. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, segment affected networks, and consider disabling serial programming interfaces when not actively required for maintenance. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential lifecycle management and secure firmware development practices, emphasizing that hardcoded credentials in production devices represent a significant security risk that can persist across multiple generations of hardware and software releases.