CVE-2016-2230 in OpenELEC
Summary
by MITRE
OpenELEC and RasPlex devices have a hardcoded password for the root account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via an SSH session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2230 represents a critical security flaw affecting OpenELEC and RasPlex devices that operate as embedded media centers and streaming platforms. These devices are designed for home entertainment systems and often serve as networked endpoints for media streaming services, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to home networks. The flaw stems from the implementation of a hardcoded root password within the device firmware, a practice that violates fundamental security principles and creates persistent entry points for attackers. This vulnerability specifically impacts devices running OpenELEC (Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center) and RasPlex operating systems, which are commonly deployed on raspberry pi and similar single-board computers for home media server applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of a predetermined password within the device's software image that never changes regardless of network configuration or user administration. This hardcoded credential is typically embedded during the manufacturing process and remains static across all devices of the same model, creating a universal attack vector that can be discovered through simple reconnaissance or by consulting publicly available vulnerability databases. The flaw enables remote attackers to establish SSH sessions with root privileges immediately upon discovering the password, bypassing all normal authentication mechanisms and authentication layers that should normally protect the device. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software, and represents a classic example of poor security hardening practices in embedded systems. Attackers can leverage this weakness through network scanning tools or by exploiting known default credentials that are widely documented in security research and penetration testing resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected devices and potentially the entire home network they inhabit. Once root access is obtained, malicious actors can manipulate media content, install backdoors, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because these devices are often left unattended and accessible from the internet without proper network segmentation or firewall rules. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users do not regularly update their devices or change default configurations, allowing the hardcoded credentials to remain active for extended periods. This vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools that target known default credentials, making it a common target in large-scale attacks against home networks. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1021.004 which covers SSH exploitation, demonstrating how this single vulnerability can enable multiple attack vectors within the broader threat landscape.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2230 require immediate action from device administrators to address the hardcoded credential issue. The most effective approach involves updating to patched firmware versions that remove or randomize the hardcoded root password, which requires users to manually update their devices or enable automatic updates if available. Network administrators should implement firewall rules that block SSH access from external networks and restrict access to trusted IP addresses only, effectively limiting the attack surface. Additionally, users should disable SSH access entirely if not required for legitimate administration purposes, and implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network infrastructure. Organizations and individuals should conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credentials in other embedded systems and IoT devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards, which emphasize the need for proper credential management and the elimination of default accounts with known passwords. Device manufacturers should implement secure boot processes and dynamic credential generation to prevent similar issues in future firmware releases, ensuring that each device has unique and unpredictable authentication credentials at the time of deployment.