CVE-2014-9183 in ZXDSL
Summary
by MITRE
ZTE ZXDSL 831CII has a default password of admin for the admin account, which allows remote attackers to gain administrator privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2018
The CVE-2014-9183 vulnerability affects ZTE ZXDSL 831CII broadband modem devices that ship with a hardcoded default administrative password of "admin". This represents a fundamental security flaw in the device's authentication mechanism that directly violates security best practices and industry standards. The vulnerability exists at the design level where manufacturers fail to implement proper password policies or enforce password changes during initial device setup, creating a persistent security risk that remains active until manually addressed by the user.
This weakness constitutes a classic example of weak authentication and default credential exploitation, classified under CWE-798 which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to gain full administrative privileges without requiring any specialized tools or techniques beyond basic network connectivity. The device's default configuration leaves it immediately accessible to anyone who knows the default password, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors from anywhere on the internet. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it eliminates the need for initial reconnaissance or credential cracking attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential network compromise and lateral movement within affected environments. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can modify device configurations, enable remote access ports, install malicious firmware, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The ZTE ZXDSL 831CII device serves as a gateway to the internal network, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a legitimate administrative account with full system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9183 must include immediate password change procedures and network segmentation to limit the potential damage from exploitation. Network administrators should implement mandatory password change policies for all default accounts and establish procedures for identifying and updating vulnerable devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure device provisioning practices and the need for manufacturers to implement automatic password generation during first-time setup. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify devices with default credentials and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, network access controls and firewall rules should be configured to limit remote administrative access to these devices, while implementing network segmentation to prevent lateral movement if compromise occurs. The vulnerability underscores the critical nature of proper device lifecycle management and the importance of maintaining updated security configurations throughout a device's operational lifetime.