CVE-2016-2362 in Fonality
Summary
by MITRE
Fonality (previously trixbox Pro) 12.6 through 14.1i before 2016-06-01 has a hardcoded password for the FTP account, which allows remote attackers to obtain access via a (1) FTP or (2) SSH connection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2362 affects Fonality (formerly known as trixbox Pro) versions 12.6 through 14.1i released prior to June 1, 2016. This security flaw represents a critical configuration weakness that exposes systems to unauthorized remote access through hardcoded credentials. The vulnerability specifically impacts the FTP service where a default password is embedded within the software configuration, creating a persistent backdoor that remains accessible across system installations and updates. This issue falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices and is often categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1078.101 for Valid Accounts: Default Accounts, where adversaries exploit default or hardcoded credentials to gain initial access to systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's design decision to embed default authentication credentials directly within the application code or configuration files. When Fonality systems were deployed, the FTP account was configured with a predetermined password that was not changed during installation or administration processes. This hardcoded credential allows attackers to establish both FTP and SSH connections to the affected systems without requiring any additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. The flaw exists at the application level where authentication mechanisms are improperly configured, and it represents a failure in secure configuration management practices that should adhere to security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls for access control and system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected systems, enabling them to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any specialized tools or advanced techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools. Once compromised, attackers can use the established FTP or SSH connections to upload malicious payloads, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct reconnaissance activities to identify additional targets within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the systems, as unauthorized parties gain the ability to modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the affected infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credentials issue. Organizations should implement a comprehensive remediation process that includes updating to patched versions of Fonality software released after June 1, 2016, which would contain fixed authentication configurations. System administrators must conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure that default accounts are disabled or have their credentials changed to strong, unique passwords. The implementation of network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting network access to critical systems. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual FTP and SSH connection patterns that might indicate unauthorized access attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no hardcoded credentials remain in system configurations. Additionally, organizations should implement proper change management processes and security configuration baselines to prevent similar issues in future deployments, aligning with security frameworks such as the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to maintain robust security postures.