CVE-2016-9495 in HN7740S
Summary
by MITRE
Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems, models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM, uses hard coded credentials. Access to the device's default telnet port (23) can be obtained through using one of a few default credentials shared among all devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9495 affects Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems including models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM which utilize hard coded credentials for authentication purposes. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental security posture of these network devices by embedding default authentication credentials directly into the firmware. The vulnerability stems from poor security implementation practices where manufacturers failed to properly randomize or encrypt authentication credentials during the device provisioning process, creating a universal attack vector that affects all devices within this product line.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of hardcoded credentials that are accessible via the device's default telnet port which operates on TCP port 23. This port serves as an unencrypted remote administration interface that allows unauthorized access to the modem's command-line interface without requiring additional authentication mechanisms. The hardcoded nature of these credentials means that attackers can obtain administrative access by simply attempting a predefined set of username and password combinations that are shared across all devices in the affected product range. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications and devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete compromise of the affected satellite modems. Once an attacker gains access through the telnet interface, they can execute arbitrary commands on the device, modify network configurations, intercept data traffic, and potentially use the compromised modem as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe for satellite communications where these modems often serve as critical links in enterprise and government communications networks, potentially exposing sensitive data flows and creating persistent backdoors for attackers.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including T1078 Valid Accounts for initial access and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing commands on the compromised device. The lack of proper credential management and the use of default accounts represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper security hardening practices. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments, disable unnecessary services including telnet access, and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential issues in other network infrastructure components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper device provisioning processes and adherence to security standards such as NIST SP 800-125 for secure device management and configuration practices.