CVE-2015-8282 in Spectrum SDC
Summary
by MITRE
SeaWell Networks Spectrum SDC 02.05.00 has a default password of "admin" for the "admin" account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8282 affects the SeaWell Networks Spectrum SDC 02.05.00 device, representing a critical security weakness that stems from the implementation of a default administrative credential. This flaw allows unauthorized users to gain administrative access to the device without requiring any additional authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it persists across device reboots and system updates, making it a persistent threat that can be exploited by anyone who knows or discovers the default credential. The default password "admin" is hardcoded into the device firmware, providing attackers with an easily exploitable entry point into the network infrastructure. This issue directly violates fundamental security principles that mandate the immediate change of default credentials upon device deployment, as outlined in industry best practices and security frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the device's authentication mechanism, where the system fails to enforce strong credential policies during the initial setup process. The default administrative account is enabled by default without requiring any user intervention to change the password, creating a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by malicious actors. This flaw can be categorized under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and aligns with the broader category of weak credential management issues. The vulnerability exists at the application layer of the device's operating system, where the authentication subsystem does not properly validate or enforce password complexity requirements for default accounts. Network administrators who fail to change the default password after installation leave their devices vulnerable to exploitation, as the default credential remains unchanged regardless of security policies or network configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the device and potentially the entire network segment it manages. An attacker who gains access through this default credential can modify network configurations, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, monitor network traffic, and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including network scanning, social engineering, or by leveraging publicly available information about default credentials for specific device models. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that this device may be part of a larger network ecosystem where compromised devices can serve as launching points for lateral movement attacks, as documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the initial access and privilege escalation categories. The vulnerability also impacts network availability and integrity, as unauthorized modifications can disrupt normal network operations and potentially cause service outages.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate actions such as changing the default administrative password to a strong, unique credential that meets complexity requirements. Organizations should implement comprehensive asset management policies that mandate the verification of default credentials during device deployment and regular security audits to identify any devices with unchanged default passwords. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, ensuring that even if one device is breached, the attacker cannot easily move laterally through the network. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts provides additional layers of defense. Security awareness training for network administrators should emphasize the critical importance of changing default credentials immediately upon device installation, as this simple action can prevent the exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2015-8282. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should include checks for default credentials across all network devices, with automated systems that can alert administrators to any devices still using default passwords. The vulnerability also highlights the need for secure device provisioning processes that enforce strong authentication policies from the outset, ensuring that devices are configured with appropriate security measures before being deployed into production environments.