CVE-2015-7246 in DVGN5402SP
Summary
by MITRE
DLink DVGN5402SP with firmware W1000CN00, W1000CN03, or W2000EN00 has a default password of root for the root account and tw for the tw account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain administrative access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2024
The CVE-2015-7246 vulnerability affects DLink DVGN5402SP routers running specific firmware versions including W1000CN00, W1000CN03, and W2000EN00. This vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw that stems from the device's default credential configuration, creating an easily exploitable path for unauthorized administrative access. The issue is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to gain full control of the device without requiring any additional authentication factors or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests through the implementation of weak default credentials that persist across multiple firmware versions of the DVGN5402SP model. The root account utilizes the default password "root" while the tw account employs "tw" as its password. This configuration violates fundamental security principles and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability is classified as a default credential weakness that falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The persistence of these default credentials across multiple firmware versions indicates a systemic security flaw in the device's configuration management and deployment practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables remote attackers to achieve administrative control over the affected routers. Once authenticated, attackers can manipulate network configurations, modify firewall rules, access sensitive network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and T1021.001 which covers remote services. The remote accessibility of these default credentials means that attackers can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or specialized tools, making the attack surface extremely broad.
The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access as the compromised router can become a persistent threat vector within the network infrastructure. Attackers can use the device to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, redirect traffic, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to modify DNS settings, intercept communications, or use the device as a launching point for attacks against other networked devices. This represents a significant risk to network security and compliance requirements, particularly in enterprise environments where proper network segmentation and access controls are essential. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including changing default credentials, disabling unnecessary services, and implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper device configuration management and the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in network infrastructure components.