CVE-2013-4876 in Wireless Network Extender
Summary
by MITRE
The Verizon Wireless Network Extender SCS-2U01 has a hardcoded password for the root account, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to obtain administrative access by leveraging a login prompt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4876 affects the Verizon Wireless Network Extender SCS-2U01 device, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms. This issue stems from the device's implementation of a hardcoded root password, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable weakness in the network infrastructure. The device's design includes a predetermined password that remains unchanged throughout the device's operational lifecycle, effectively eliminating any possibility of secure credential management or authentication enforcement.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places the device at significant risk of unauthorized access due to its hardcoded administrative credentials. Attackers who gain physical proximity to the device can exploit this weakness by simply presenting the device's login prompt with the predetermined root credentials, bypassing all normal authentication procedures. This configuration creates a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of network configuration changes or security updates, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and residential deployments where physical security cannot be guaranteed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over the network extender device. This level of access allows malicious actors to modify network configurations, intercept communications, redirect traffic, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's accessibility through physical proximity means that even organizations with robust network security measures remain vulnerable if physical security controls are inadequate, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by both external and internal threat actors.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability directly relates to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials. The device's failure to implement proper authentication mechanisms and credential management represents a fundamental flaw in its security architecture that violates industry best practices for network device security. Organizations deploying such devices face increased risk of man-in-the-middle attacks, network infiltration, and potential data breaches that can compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure device provisioning and the necessity of implementing dynamic credential management rather than relying on static authentication mechanisms that remain constant throughout the device's operational lifetime.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including replacing affected devices with versions that implement proper authentication mechanisms, implementing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to network infrastructure, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized device access. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while ensuring that all network equipment undergoes thorough security assessments before deployment. The incident underscores the necessity of implementing robust device lifecycle management practices and the importance of regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across network infrastructure components.