CVE-2016-10862 in AirStream NAS1.1
Summary
by MITRE
Neet AirStream NAS1.1 devices have a password of ifconfig for the root account. This cannot be changed via the configuration page.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The CVE-2016-10862 vulnerability affects Neet AirStream NAS1.1 network-attached storage devices, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from a default credential configuration. This vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure system design where the device ships with a hardcoded root password that remains unchanged regardless of user configuration attempts. The specific default password 'ifconfig' is particularly concerning as it follows predictable patterns that align with common network utility names, making it easily discoverable through basic reconnaissance techniques. This issue directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, which emphasize the importance of unique, non-guessable credentials for administrative accounts.
The technical implementation flaw in this vulnerability manifests as a complete lack of credential management functionality within the device's web-based configuration interface. Users attempting to modify the root account password through the standard configuration page are unable to effect any changes, effectively rendering the system's password management capabilities non-functional. This design flaw creates a persistent backdoor that remains accessible to anyone who can reach the device's network interface, regardless of network segmentation or other security controls that might otherwise protect the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these devices are exposed to untrusted networks or the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with unrestricted administrative access to the affected NAS devices. Once an attacker gains access using the default password, they can execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access stored data, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that deploy these devices without proper network segmentation or monitoring, as the default credentials make it trivial for attackers to establish persistent access to network storage resources. The risk is amplified by the fact that these devices are often deployed in environments where network visibility is limited, making detection of unauthorized access more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10862 should prioritize immediate network isolation of affected devices until proper security measures can be implemented. Organizations must disable or remove the affected devices from production environments until the default credential issue can be resolved through firmware updates or hardware replacement. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, utilizing intrusion detection systems and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates the critical need for secure default configurations as outlined in the CWE-798 category for hardcoded credentials. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all similar devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that all default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment.