CVE-2016-6552 in DX-350
Summary
by MITRE
Green Packet DX-350 uses non-random default credentials of: root:wimax. A remote network attacker can gain privileged access to a vulnerable device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The Green Packet DX-350 is a network infrastructure device that was found to contain hardcoded default credentials in its firmware configuration. This vulnerability stems from poor security practices during the device's development and deployment phases, where manufacturers failed to implement proper authentication mechanisms or randomize default login credentials. The specific default credential combination of root:wimax represents a critical security flaw that directly violates industry best practices for device security. According to CWE-798, this vulnerability falls under the category of using hardcoded credentials, which is a well-documented weakness in software and hardware security design. The device's network accessibility means that any remote attacker with basic network reconnaissance capabilities can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access or advanced technical skills.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for immediate privilege escalation once an attacker successfully authenticates to the device. The default credentials are typically stored in plaintext within the device firmware or configuration files, making them easily discoverable through standard network scanning tools. This flaw enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the device, which can serve as a foothold for further network infiltration. The remote nature of this attack vector means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring local network access. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it represents a zero-day attack surface that remains persistent until the device is manually updated or replaced. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials gained through default credentials, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access to target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the compromised device can serve as a launching point for broader network attacks. Once an attacker gains administrative control, they can modify device configurations, redirect network traffic, or use the device as a pivot point to access other systems within the network. The device's role as a network infrastructure component means that compromising it can lead to significant disruption of network services or provide attackers with access to sensitive data flows. Organizations using Green Packet DX-350 devices may face regulatory compliance issues if they fail to address this vulnerability, as it represents a clear failure to maintain minimum security standards. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader problem of legacy device support and the challenges organizations face when dealing with older network equipment that lacks proper security updates or patches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate credential changes across all affected devices, network segmentation to limit lateral movement, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all instances of this device and ensure proper patching or replacement. The solution requires adherence to security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-125, which emphasizes the importance of secure device configuration and credential management. Network administrators should implement automated monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized access attempts and alert security teams to potential exploitation of default credentials. Additionally, organizations should establish policies requiring regular credential rotation and implement multi-factor authentication where possible to reduce the impact of credential-based attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper device lifecycle management and the need for manufacturers to provide timely security updates for their products.