CVE-2016-5670 in DM-TXRX-100-STR
Summary
by MITRE
Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR devices with firmware before 1.3039.00040 have a hardcoded password of admin for the admin account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via the web management interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The CVE-2016-5670 vulnerability affects Crestron Electronics DM-TXRX-100-STR devices, representing a critical security flaw in networked audiovisual equipment that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. These devices are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for video conferencing and digital signage applications, making their security posture crucial for maintaining overall network integrity. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw where the device firmware incorporates a hardcoded administrative password, specifically the string "admin," which remains unchanged across all affected units. This weakness directly violates security best practices and creates an immediate attack vector for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the device's web management interface, which serves as the primary administrative access point for configuring and managing the DM-TXRX-100-STR device. When attackers discover this hardcoded credential, they can bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain full administrative privileges without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-798, which classifies the use of hardcoded credentials as a significant security weakness, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, since the attacker can leverage legitimate administrative credentials to maintain persistent access. The hardcoded nature of the password means that this vulnerability exists across all affected devices regardless of network segmentation or other security controls, rendering traditional perimeter defenses ineffective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate device configurations, potentially disrupting critical business operations or creating backdoors for further network infiltration. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness from any location with network connectivity to the device, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed deployments. The attack surface is further expanded because the DM-TXRX-100-STR devices are often placed in accessible network segments or may be exposed to external networks for management purposes. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised device as a pivot point for accessing other network resources, potentially escalating to more severe breaches. Organizations relying on these devices for mission-critical applications face the risk of service disruption, data compromise, or unauthorized surveillance capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5670 require immediate firmware updates to version 1.3039.00040 or later, which addresses the hardcoded password issue by implementing proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, while access controls should be enforced through firewall rules limiting management interface access to authorized administrative workstations only. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure development practices and proper credential management, highlighting the necessity for vendors to implement robust authentication mechanisms and avoid hardcoded credentials in production firmware releases. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices, ensuring that the organization maintains a comprehensive security posture against evolving threats.