CVE-2014-5419 in Multilink ML
Summary
by MITRE
GE Multilink ML800, ML1200, ML1600, and ML2400 switches with firmware 4.2.1 and earlier and Multilink ML810, ML3000, and ML3100 switches with firmware 5.2.0 and earlier use the same RSA private key across different customers' installations, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain the cleartext content of network traffic by reading this key from a firmware image and then sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2014-5419 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in GE Multilink series network switches that fundamentally undermines the security of encrypted communications. This flaw affects multiple switch models including ML800, ML1200, ML1600, ML2400, ML810, ML3000, and ML3100 devices, specifically those running firmware versions 4.2.1 and earlier, or 5.2.0 and earlier respectively. The core issue lies in the improper implementation of cryptographic key management where vendors reused identical RSA private keys across different customer installations, creating a systematic security flaw that violates fundamental principles of cryptographic security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a design flaw where the same cryptographic key material is embedded within firmware images across multiple customer deployments. This practice directly contravenes established cryptographic best practices and represents a clear violation of CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or predictable cryptographic algorithms. When attackers obtain the firmware image through legitimate means or by exploiting other vulnerabilities, they can extract the hardcoded RSA private key and subsequently decrypt network traffic that was intended to be protected. This creates a scenario where attackers can perform man-in-the-middle attacks and gain access to sensitive information flowing through these network devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these switches for network security. Network administrators face the possibility of unauthorized access to confidential communications, potentially including financial data, personal information, and proprietary business communications. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to devices or network proximity to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network segmentation may not be comprehensive. This weakness undermines the trust model of network security and creates opportunities for advanced persistent threats to establish long-term access to network infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from GE to address the hardcoded key issue, network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires careful planning due to the critical nature of these network devices and the potential for service disruption during firmware updates. Security teams should also consider implementing additional network monitoring controls and reviewing their cryptographic key management practices to prevent similar issues in other network infrastructure components. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic key lifecycle management and the dangers of reusing cryptographic materials across different security domains, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through firmware manipulation and T1041 for data transmission over network protocols.