CVE-2014-2969 in GS108PE
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR GS108PE Prosafe Plus switches with firmware 1.2.0.5 have a hardcoded password of debugpassword for the ntgruser account, which allows remote attackers to upload firmware or read or modify memory contents, and consequently execute arbitrary code, via a request to (1) produce_burn.cgi, (2) register_debug.cgi, or (3) bootcode_update.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The CVE-2014-2969 vulnerability affects NETGEAR GS108PE Prosafe Plus network switches running firmware version 1.2.0.5, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from improper authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the switch's web-based management interface where a hardcoded password of debugpassword is embedded within the firmware for the ntgruser account. The presence of such a hardcoded credential represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture and directly violates security best practices outlined in industry standards including cwe-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific CGI endpoints that are accessible via HTTP requests to the switch's web interface. Attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to access three critical endpoints: produce_burn.cgi, register_debug.cgi, and bootcode_update.cgi. These endpoints provide functionality that allows for firmware uploading, memory reading and modification, and ultimately arbitrary code execution on the target device. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication knowledge and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the switch's network interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it grants attackers complete control over the affected network switch. Once exploited, adversaries can upload malicious firmware, modify the switch's operational parameters, read sensitive memory contents, and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ntgruser account. This level of access enables attackers to potentially disrupt network operations, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or use the compromised switch as a pivot point to attack other devices within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until the device is physically reconfigured or the firmware is updated, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network switches are critical infrastructure components.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and script interpreter, as well as T1547 for boot or logon autostart utilities. The hardcoded credentials represent a classic example of credential stuffing and privilege escalation vectors that attackers frequently exploit in network infrastructure devices. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation approach requires immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, along with comprehensive network audits to identify other devices with similar hardcoded credentials. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure development practices and the necessity of implementing proper credential management and authentication mechanisms in embedded network devices, as mandated by security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.