CVE-2014-6437 in DSL5018EN
Summary
by MITRE
Aztech ADSL DSL5018EN (1T1R), DSL705E, and DSL705EU devices allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive device configuration information via vectors involving the ROM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The CVE-2014-6437 vulnerability affects Aztech ADSL modem devices including the DSL5018EN (1T1R), DSL705E, and DSL705EU models, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure equipment. This vulnerability resides in the device's handling of ROM file information and allows remote attackers to extract sensitive configuration data without authentication. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the device's information disclosure mechanisms, where proprietary ROM file structures contain unencrypted configuration parameters that should remain protected within the device's internal memory systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's ROM file structure containing sensitive information in an accessible format that remote attackers can retrieve through network-based exploitation. The ROM file typically stores device configuration parameters including administrative credentials, network settings, and potentially other proprietary information that should remain confidential within the device's secure memory boundaries. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control and information exposure, where the device fails to properly protect sensitive data stored in its firmware memory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for network administrators and organizations relying on these devices for internet connectivity. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to device configuration details, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities such as credential reuse attacks, network reconnaissance, and privilege escalation. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked configuration data may contain administrative passwords, network topology information, and other sensitive parameters that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, "Credentials in Files," as sensitive information is stored in accessible device memory structures. Organizations using these affected devices face potential compromise of their network security posture, as the leaked configuration data could provide attackers with sufficient information to conduct targeted attacks against the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries need not have physical access to the devices, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise and home network deployments.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Aztech when available, network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement proper network access controls to restrict unauthorized network access to these vulnerable modems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware design practices and proper information hiding mechanisms within embedded network devices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data stored within device memory systems.