CVE-2015-6498 in Home Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Alcatel-Lucent Home Device Manager before 4.1.10, 4.2.x before 4.2.2 allows remote attackers to spoof and make calls as target devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6498 affects Alcatel-Lucent Home Device Manager versions prior to 4.1.10 and 4.2.x versions prior to 4.2.2, representing a critical security flaw in home networking infrastructure devices. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized call spoofing and make calls on behalf of target devices within the network. The issue stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms and insufficient validation of caller identity within the device management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices that utilize the Home Device Manager for network configuration and call management functions, potentially affecting thousands of residential and small business networks worldwide.
The technical flaw manifests through a lack of proper cryptographic authentication and session management within the device communication protocols. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish unauthorized connections to target devices and manipulate their call routing capabilities. The vulnerability allows for the forging of caller ID information and the initiation of calls without proper authorization from legitimate users. This type of attack falls under the category of credential theft and session hijacking, with the attacker essentially impersonating legitimate users within the network. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the device management protocols that control telephony functions within home networks. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and potentially CWE-306, concerning missing authentication in critical functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple call spoofing to encompass broader network security implications. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to conduct unauthorized surveillance activities, intercept sensitive communications, and potentially gain access to other network resources connected to the compromised devices. The vulnerability enables attackers to make calls to premium rate numbers or international destinations without the knowledge or consent of legitimate users, creating potential financial losses for victims. Additionally, the ability to spoof calls undermines the integrity of the communication system and can be used for social engineering attacks, where attackers might impersonate network administrators or other legitimate users to gain further access to network resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as attackers can leverage the compromised devices to further their infiltration efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6498 require immediate deployment of firmware updates provided by Alcatel-Lucent, specifically upgrading to versions 4.1.10 or 4.2.2 and later. Network administrators should implement additional security measures including network segmentation to isolate critical devices, enhanced monitoring of call logs for unusual patterns, and implementation of network access controls to limit remote management access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure remote administration protocols and proper authentication mechanisms in consumer-grade networking equipment. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures for dealing with potential exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure and mandatory firmware update policies are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.