CVE-2014-7279 in Konke Smart Plug K
Summary
by MITRE
The Konke Smart Plug K does not require authentication for TELNET sessions, which allows remote attackers to obtain "quipment management authority" via TCP traffic to port 23.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The Konke Smart Plug K represents a significant security vulnerability in the Internet of Things ecosystem, specifically targeting networked home automation devices. This device falls under the category of smart home appliances that connect to wireless networks to enable remote control and monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability lies in the device's failure to implement proper authentication mechanisms for its TELNET service, creating an exploitable entry point that exposes critical system functions to unauthorized remote access. The device's default configuration leaves TCP port 23, the standard port for TELNET services, accessible without requiring any form of credential verification or access control measures.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of authentication protocols for the TELNET interface, which operates on port 23. This vulnerability directly enables what is known as a privilege escalation attack pattern, where remote adversaries can establish unauthenticated connections to the device's management interface. The term "equipment management authority" referenced in the vulnerability description indicates that successful exploitation grants attackers full administrative control over the device's operational parameters, configuration settings, and potentially access to network resources connected to the same local network. This represents a critical failure in the device's security architecture, as it violates fundamental principles of network security that require proper authentication before granting administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers anywhere on the internet. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability. Once authenticated, attackers can manipulate device configurations, potentially disrupt network services, or use the compromised device as a foothold for further attacks within the local network. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1110 category of Brute Force and Credential Access, though in this case the credential access is achieved through the absence of authentication rather than brute force attempts. The vulnerability also maps to CWE-287, which describes improper authentication issues in software systems.
The implications for network security are particularly concerning given that smart home devices often serve as entry points for broader network compromise. Attackers can leverage the compromised Konke Smart Plug K to perform reconnaissance on the local network, potentially discovering other connected devices or sensitive network infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in security-by-design principles for IoT devices, where manufacturers often prioritize functionality and ease of use over robust security measures. The lack of authentication for management interfaces represents a fundamental security flaw that violates industry best practices and standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security, which emphasizes the importance of authentication and access control for all management interfaces. Organizations and consumers should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment of their IoT deployments, particularly when devices lack proper authentication mechanisms for remote management functions.