CVE-2015-8673 in TE30
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei TE30, TE40, TE50, and TE60 multimedia video conferencing endpoints with software before V100R001C10SPC100 do not require entry of the old password when changing the password for the Debug account, which allows physically proximate attackers to change the password by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8673 affects Huawei multimedia video conferencing endpoints including the TE30, TE40, TE50, and TE60 models. This security flaw exists in software versions prior to V100R001C10SPC100 and represents a significant weakness in the authentication mechanism for the Debug account. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of password change procedures that fail to enforce the requirement for entering the existing password before establishing a new one. This design flaw creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers with physical proximity to the device to manipulate the system's security controls without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the authentication subsystem of the Huawei video conferencing endpoints where the Debug account password modification process lacks proper validation checks. When users attempt to change the password for the Debug account, the system should require the current password as a verification mechanism before accepting any new password. However, the affected software versions bypass this essential security check, allowing anyone with access to the device's interface to modify the Debug account password without providing the existing credentials. This represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper access control implementation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe security risk for organizations utilizing Huawei video conferencing systems. The requirement for physical proximity to exploit this vulnerability does not diminish its impact, as it allows for insider threats or unauthorized personnel who gain access to unattended workstations to compromise the system. The Debug account typically provides elevated privileges and access to system internals, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. Attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive system configurations, monitor communications, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that many video conferencing endpoints remain unattended during meetings and conferences, creating numerous opportunities for exploitation.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple password modification, as it undermines the fundamental security model of the affected devices. The lack of proper authentication verification creates a backdoor that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, system compromise, or data exfiltration. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-326, which addresses the weakness in the security of the system due to the lack of proper authentication mechanisms. The attack vector described in the vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1078, which involves legitimate credentials and valid accounts, though in this case it involves unauthorized use of a debug account. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment that includes physical security measures and access control policies.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating all affected Huawei video conferencing endpoints to software versions that address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or firmware updates that enforce proper password change procedures for the Debug account. Additionally, organizations should implement strict physical security controls around video conferencing equipment, including securing workstations when not in use and implementing access controls to prevent unauthorized physical access. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or access attempts to the Debug account. Regular security assessments should include verification that the password change procedures are properly enforced and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The implementation of these mitigations should be prioritized based on the criticality of the video conferencing systems within the organization's infrastructure and the sensitivity of the data being transmitted through these endpoints.