CVE-2015-7261 in Signage Station
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP service in QNAP iArtist Lite before 1.4.54, as distributed with QNAP Signage Station before 2.0.1, has hardcoded credentials, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a session on TCP port 21.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7261 represents a critical security flaw in the QNAP iArtist Lite software component that was distributed with QNAP Signage Station systems prior to version 2.0.1. This issue manifests through the inclusion of hardcoded authentication credentials within the FTP service implementation, creating a persistent security weakness that significantly undermines the overall security posture of affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the FTP service running on TCP port 21, which is the standard port for File Transfer Protocol communications and represents a well-known attack surface that malicious actors frequently target for initial system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms where developers embedded fixed username and password combinations directly into the software code rather than implementing dynamic or secure credential management systems. This hardcoded approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a situation where any attacker who discovers the service running on port 21 can trivially gain access to the system using the pre-defined credentials. The flaw operates at the application level and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage as classified under CWE-259, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded passwords in software implementations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that FTP services are typically exposed to network traffic and may be accessible from external networks, making the hardcoded credentials easily discoverable through routine network scanning activities.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides unauthorized remote access to systems that are typically used for digital signage and media content delivery. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to content tampering, system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's accessibility through standard network protocols and its presence in widely deployed software components means that affected organizations face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1110.001 (Brute Force: Password Guessing) and T1078.004 (Valid Accounts: SSH/Telnet) where the hardcoded credentials effectively bypass legitimate authentication mechanisms, and T1566 (Phishing) where attackers can use the compromised systems for further malicious activities.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the patched versions of QNAP iArtist Lite and Signage Station software as specified in the vendor advisory, which typically includes proper credential management and the removal of hardcoded authentication values. Network administrators should also implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to TCP port 21, particularly for systems that do not require external FTP access, and should consider disabling the FTP service entirely if it is not essential for operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough network audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure that no hardcoded credentials remain accessible through other attack vectors. The implementation of robust network monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential compromise scenarios involving hardcoded credential vulnerabilities, ensuring that appropriate forensic analysis and system restoration capabilities are maintained.