CVE-2016-9497 in HN7740S
Summary
by MITRE
Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems, models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM, is vulnerable to an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel. By default, port 1953 is accessible via telnet and does not require authentication. An unauthenticated remote user can access many administrative commands via this interface, including rebooting the modem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9497 affects Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems including models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM which represent critical infrastructure components for satellite communications. These devices are widely deployed in enterprise and industrial environments where reliable connectivity is essential for business operations. The vulnerability stems from improper access control implementation within the modem's network services, specifically exposing a telnet service on port 1953 without requiring authentication. This configuration creates a significant security gap that allows any remote attacker to establish connections to the device without providing valid credentials.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of authentication mechanisms on the telnet service running on port 1953, which represents a direct violation of security best practices and standards such as those outlined in CWE-305 Authentication Bypass. The absence of proper authentication controls means that unauthorized users can access the modem's administrative interface and execute privileged commands. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows adversaries to gain access to administrative functions without legitimate credentials. The exposed interface provides access to critical administrative functions including system reboot commands, which can lead to service disruption and potential denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to gain complete administrative control over the affected modems. An unauthenticated user can perform system-level operations including but not limited to rebooting the device, potentially causing service interruptions that could affect critical communications. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in remote locations where physical access may be limited, making remote exploitation particularly dangerous. Organizations relying on these modems for business-critical communications face significant risk of service disruption, potential data loss, and compromise of their satellite communication infrastructure. The vulnerability is especially concerning because it affects multiple models within the Hughes portfolio, suggesting a systemic configuration issue rather than isolated device-specific problems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to port 1953. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to block external access to this port while ensuring internal access remains available for legitimate administrative purposes. The device configuration should be reviewed to disable unnecessary services and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices from general network traffic. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components and ensure that all administrative interfaces require proper authentication. Additionally, vendors should be notified about the vulnerability to ensure appropriate firmware updates are developed and deployed to address the authentication bypass issue. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those provided by NIST Special Publication 800-44 for secure configuration of network devices and emphasizes the need for proper access control implementation in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001 security standards.