CVE-2013-6034 in BGAN
Summary
by MITRE
The firmware on GateHouse; Harris BGAN RF-7800B-VU204 and BGAN RF-7800B-DU204; Hughes Network Systems 9201, 9450, and 9502; Inmarsat; Japan Radio JUE-250 and JUE-500; and Thuraya IP satellite terminals has hardcoded credentials, which makes it easier for attackers to obtain unspecified login access via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6034 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple satellite communication terminal devices manufactured by various vendors including GateHouse Harris, Hughes Network Systems, Inmarsat, Japan Radio, and Thuraya. This weakness stems from the inclusion of hardcoded credentials within the firmware of these specialized communication devices, creating a fundamental security risk that significantly undermines the operational integrity of satellite communication networks. The presence of hardcoded authentication credentials across such a diverse range of equipment suggests a widespread industry practice that has persisted despite known security risks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedding of default usernames and passwords directly into the device firmware during the manufacturing process, rather than implementing dynamic authentication mechanisms or allowing for secure credential configuration. This approach, classified under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, eliminates the possibility for system administrators to modify default authentication parameters and creates a persistent attack vector that remains viable across device lifecycles. The hardcoded credentials typically include administrative accounts with elevated privileges, enabling unauthorized parties to gain immediate access to critical network functions and device configurations without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate satellite communication systems, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure services. These devices are commonly deployed in mission-critical applications including military communications, emergency response systems, maritime navigation, and remote corporate networks, where unauthorized access could result in complete system compromise. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that attackers may leverage various attack surfaces including network reconnaissance, physical device access, or even supply chain compromises to exploit these hardcoded credentials. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, as the hardcoded credentials provide legitimate access paths that bypass normal authentication mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that these satellite terminals often operate in environments where physical security is limited and network monitoring may be constrained. Attackers can exploit these credentials to gain administrative access to device management interfaces, potentially allowing them to modify communication parameters, redirect traffic, or disable security features. The impact is amplified by the fact that these devices typically serve as critical communication nodes in remote or isolated networks, making them attractive targets for both nation-state actors and criminal organizations seeking persistent access to sensitive communications channels. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of data interception, communication disruption, and potential use as stepping stones for broader network infiltration attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including firmware updates from vendors, implementation of network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and comprehensive credential management protocols. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process involves replacing hardcoded credentials with dynamically generated authentication mechanisms and establishing secure credential distribution processes. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls, regular security assessments, and incident response procedures specifically tailored to address compromised satellite communication systems. Compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 becomes critical in managing these vulnerabilities, as they provide frameworks for addressing hardcoded credential risks in operational technology environments.