CVE-2016-6553 in NT-4040 Titan
Summary
by MITRE
Nuuo NT-4040 Titan, firmware NT-4040_01.07.0000.0015_1120, uses non-random default credentials of: admin:admin and localdisplay:111111. 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6553 affects the Nuuo NT-4040 Titan video surveillance device running specific firmware versions. This represents a critical security weakness that stems from the device's implementation of default credentials that are neither random nor sufficiently secure. The affected system utilizes predictable default authentication values including admin:admin and localdisplay:111111 which creates an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, which directly violates security best practices established by industry standards and frameworks.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's authentication mechanism where default administrative credentials are not only pre-configured but also easily discoverable through public repositories, vendor documentation, or simple network reconnaissance. This weakness allows remote network attackers to gain privileged access to the device without requiring any specialized tools or techniques beyond basic network connectivity and knowledge of the default credential pairs. The vulnerability exists at the authentication layer and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege, as the device provides full administrative access to anyone who knows these default values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can modify device configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making the device particularly vulnerable in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under Initial Access and Privilege Escalation tactics, specifically leveraging default credentials as a means of gaining system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate credential changes upon device deployment and implementation of network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. Organizations should ensure that default credentials are changed during initial setup and that strong, unique passwords are implemented for all administrative accounts. Network administrators should also implement access controls that restrict administrative access to only necessary personnel and systems, while regularly auditing device configurations to ensure that default credentials have not been reinstated. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-123 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the need for proper credential management and access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized system access.