CVE-2016-6551 in Satellite TV Antenna t
Summary
by MITRE
Intellian Satellite TV antennas t-Series and v-Series, firmware version 1.07, uses non-random default credentials of: ftp/ftp or intellian:12345678. A remote network attacker can gain elevated access to a vulnerable device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6551 affects Intellian Satellite TV antennas of the t-Series and v-Series models running firmware version 1.07. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the device's authentication mechanism that allows unauthorized remote access to the system. The vulnerability stems from the use of hardcoded default credentials that remain unchanged after device deployment, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by any attacker with network access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's firmware containing hardcoded username and password combinations that are publicly known and easily accessible. Specifically, the default credentials ftp/ftp or intellian:12345678 are embedded within the device firmware and cannot be modified through normal operational procedures. This design flaw falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and specifically aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, where default credentials are not only predictable but also remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to establish administrative sessions without requiring any specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential full system compromise and network infiltration. Once an attacker gains access through these default credentials, they can modify device configurations, access sensitive operational data, and potentially use the compromised antenna as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning for satellite communication infrastructure where these devices may be deployed in remote locations with limited physical security. This vulnerability directly maps to the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 Valid Accounts technique, where adversaries leverage legitimate credentials to gain access to systems, and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as attackers would likely scan for these devices on network segments. The compromised device could serve as a persistent backdoor or be used to facilitate lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credentials issue. Organizations should implement mandatory credential change procedures during device deployment, ensuring that default credentials are changed to strong, unique passwords before the device becomes operational. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit network exposure of these devices, particularly in environments where they are accessible from untrusted networks. The device firmware should be updated to version 1.08 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability by removing or changing the default authentication credentials. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other networked devices, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern in embedded systems where security considerations are often secondary to functionality. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for system administrators should emphasize the importance of changing default credentials and maintaining proper device configuration management practices.