CVE-2013-6276 in Android
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2021
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** QNAP F_VioCard 2312 and F_VioGate 2308 have hardcoded entries in authorized_keys files. NOTE: 1. All active models are not affected. The last affected model was EOL since 2010. 2. The legacy authorization mechanism is no longer adopted in all active models.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-6276 relates to QNAP network-attached storage devices that utilize older hardware models with hardcoded SSH authorized_keys entries. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from poor configuration practices in legacy firmware implementations. The affected models include the QNAP F_VioCard 2312 and F_VioGate 2308 devices, which were part of QNAP's older product line that reached end-of-life status in 2010. These devices contain hardcoded SSH public keys within their authorized_keys files, creating a persistent security risk that cannot be easily remediated through standard configuration updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of static public key entries within SSH authorized_keys files that are embedded within the firmware of these legacy devices. This approach violates fundamental security principles by creating a hard-coded authentication mechanism that cannot be modified or removed by system administrators. The hardcoded keys represent a form of credential hardcoding that falls under CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords or cryptographic keys. These entries typically contain public keys that grant access to the device without requiring user intervention, creating a backdoor access vector that remains active regardless of password changes or security updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant despite the devices being end-of-life, as the hardcoded SSH keys provide persistent access to systems that may still be in use within organizations. Attackers who discover these hardcoded credentials can gain unauthorized access to the affected QNAP devices, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that persists through device reboots and firmware updates, as the keys are embedded within the system rather than being managed through standard authentication mechanisms. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with default passwords, though in this case the default credentials are hardcoded rather than simply default passwords.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability are limited due to the end-of-life status of the affected devices. Organizations should immediately cease using these legacy models and migrate to supported QNAP hardware that implements proper authentication mechanisms. Any remaining devices with hardcoded SSH keys should be physically secured and isolated from critical network segments. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices, while monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, the affected hardware should be physically secured to prevent tampering with the embedded firmware, as the hardcoded keys cannot be modified or removed through standard administrative procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper credential management and the risks associated with embedded authentication mechanisms in networked devices. This issue highlights the need for organizations to maintain current inventory of hardware and ensure proper lifecycle management of networked devices to prevent exposure to known vulnerabilities.