CVE-2015-8703 in ZXHN H108N R1A
Summary
by MITRE
ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A devices before ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE and ZXV10 W300 devices W300V1.0.0f_ER1_PE allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions, and discover credentials and keys, by reading the configuration file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7248.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8703 affects ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A and ZXV10 W300 devices, specifically those running firmware versions prior to ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE and W300V1.0.0f_ER1_PE respectively. This security flaw represents a critical access control weakness that enables remote authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security boundaries and obtain sensitive information from the device configuration. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms that fail to properly restrict access to sensitive system files, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the device's configuration file access controls, which allows authenticated users to read system configuration files containing credentials and cryptographic keys. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific functions. The flaw operates at the application level and affects the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating a scenario where legitimate authenticated users can escalate their privileges to access restricted information. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which deals with improper access control, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the compromised credentials and keys can be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can gain access to administrative credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive configuration data that could enable them to fully compromise the device and potentially use it as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The ability to discover and extract these credentials creates a significant risk for network security, as it undermines the device's role as a security boundary element. The vulnerability particularly affects network infrastructure devices that are often overlooked in security assessments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected ZTE devices, ensuring that all systems are running patched versions that properly implement access controls for configuration files. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network services. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their entire network infrastructure to identify any other devices that may be susceptible to similar access control flaws, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader security implementation gaps that require systematic review and improvement of security controls.