CVE-2016-5081 in ZP-NE14-S
Summary
by MITRE
ZModo ZP-NE14-S and ZP-IBH-13W devices have a hardcoded root password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a TELNET session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-5081 represents a critical security flaw in networked surveillance and security devices manufactured by ZModo. These devices, specifically the ZP-NE14-S and ZP-IBH-13W models, contain a hardcoded root password that persists across all instances of the affected hardware. This configuration fundamentally undermines the security posture of these devices by eliminating the possibility of secure authentication mechanisms and creating a universal entry point for malicious actors. The flaw exists at the firmware level where device manufacturers failed to implement proper credential management, leaving a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of network configuration or user intervention.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor security practices during device development where the manufacturer embedded a default administrative password directly into the device firmware. This hardcoded credential is typically stored in plaintext within the device's configuration files or memory, making it easily discoverable through routine network scanning or reverse engineering techniques. Attackers can exploit this weakness by establishing a TELNET session to the device, which is commonly enabled by default on these surveillance systems. The TELNET protocol, while functional for remote access, lacks encryption and relies on cleartext transmission of credentials, making the hardcoded root password particularly dangerous when combined with this protocol.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected devices. Once an attacker gains access through the hardcoded root password, they can modify device configurations, disable security features, access stored video footage, manipulate recording schedules, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The implications are especially severe for surveillance deployments where these devices are used to monitor sensitive locations, as attackers can effectively render the security infrastructure useless while maintaining persistent access. Network administrators who rely on these devices for security monitoring face the additional challenge that traditional security measures such as firewall rules or network segmentation may not prevent this type of attack due to the inherent nature of the hardcoded credential.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded passwords in software, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various industry standards including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1075 (Pass the Hash) and T1021.004 (Tunneling) where attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling unnecessary services like TELNET, changing default credentials if possible, and deploying network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves replacing affected devices with models that properly implement secure credential management and authentication protocols, as well as establishing robust device lifecycle management practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.