CVE-2016-10307 in ApexLynx
Summary
by MITRE
Trango ApexLynx 2.0, ApexOrion 2.0, GigaLynx 2.0, GigaOrion 2.0, and StrataLink 3.0 devices have a built-in, hidden root account, with a default password for which the MD5 hash value is public (but the cleartext value is perhaps not yet public). This account is accessible via SSH and/or TELNET, and grants access to the underlying embedded UNIX OS on the device, allowing full control over it.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in several Trango networking devices including ApexLynx 2.0, ApexOrion 2.0, GigaLynx 2.0, GigaOrion 2.0, and StrataLink 3.0 systems. The flaw manifests as a backdoor account that is permanently embedded within the device firmware, creating a persistent security risk that exists across multiple device generations. This hidden root account provides unauthorized access to the underlying embedded unix operating system, effectively granting attackers complete administrative control over the affected devices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates as a hardcoded credential mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures and access controls that would typically be implemented in secure network device configurations. The existence of a public MD5 hash value for the default password means that attackers can easily reverse-engineer the cleartext password using standard rainbow table attacks or brute force methods, eliminating any barrier to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage practices in embedded systems. The vulnerability affects both SSH and TELNET access protocols, providing attackers with multiple attack vectors to exploit the hidden account. This dual protocol support increases the attack surface and makes exploitation more likely since TELNET is commonly used for legacy systems and may not be properly secured or monitored. The embedded unix operating system access granted through this backdoor account provides attackers with complete system control, enabling them to modify device configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability can lead to complete device compromise, data exfiltration, and potential network infiltration that may persist undetected for extended periods.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures that rely on these devices for connectivity and network management. Network administrators may not be aware of the existence of this backdoor account, making detection and remediation significantly more challenging. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent threat because it cannot be removed through normal software updates or configuration changes, as it is embedded within the firmware itself. From a threat modeling standpoint, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering attacks that might exploit this backdoor for initial access. The presence of a default password hash that is publicly available creates a situation where attackers can immediately attempt exploitation without requiring additional reconnaissance or password cracking efforts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling SSH and TELNET services where possible, implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and conducting thorough network scans to identify potentially compromised systems. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware integrity verification and secure development practices in embedded systems to prevent such hardcoded backdoors from being introduced in the first place.