CVE-2017-14021 in JetNet
Summary
by MITRE
A Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key issue was discovered in Korenix JetNet JetNet5018G version 1.4, JetNet5310G version 1.4a, JetNet5428G-2G-2FX version 1.4, JetNet5628G-R version 1.4, JetNet5628G version 1.4, JetNet5728G-24P version 1.4, JetNet5828G version 1.1d, JetNet6710G-HVDC version 1.1e, and JetNet6710G version 1.1. An attacker may gain access to hard-coded certificates and private keys allowing the attacker to perform man-in-the-middle attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14021 represents a critical security flaw in Korenix JetNet series network devices where hard-coded cryptographic keys are embedded within the firmware. This issue affects multiple models including JetNet5018G, JetNet5310G, JetNet5428G-2G-2FX, JetNet5628G-R, JetNet5628G, JetNet5728G-24P, JetNet5828G, JetNet6710G-HVDC, and JetNet6710G across various firmware versions. The presence of hard-coded keys violates fundamental security principles and creates significant attack surface vulnerabilities. This flaw directly corresponds to CWE-321, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys in security implementations. The vulnerability exists because manufacturers embedded cryptographic materials directly into the device firmware rather than implementing proper key management or provisioning mechanisms. These hard-coded certificates and private keys are typically included in the device's source code or configuration files during the development phase and remain static throughout the device's operational lifetime.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, enabling sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise the entire network communication infrastructure. Attackers who discover these hard-coded credentials can intercept, modify, or forge network traffic between devices and management systems, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive network operations. The implications extend beyond simple eavesdropping to include complete network compromise, as attackers can establish trusted connections with network devices and manipulate communications. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial network equipment where security is paramount, as it undermines the integrity of all encrypted communications. The attack surface is further expanded because these hard-coded keys are often shared across multiple devices of the same model, meaning a single compromise can potentially affect entire device fleets. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can leverage the compromised keys to establish persistent network access and conduct further reconnaissance.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause of hard-coded cryptographic materials. Organizations should implement comprehensive firmware updates from Korenix to replace the vulnerable versions with patched releases that eliminate the hard-coded keys. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous communications patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams must conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices across the network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts based on criticality. The implementation of proper key management protocols, including certificate lifecycle management and automated provisioning systems, should be established to prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities. Additional defensive measures include network traffic analysis to detect man-in-the-middle activities, implementation of network access controls, and regular security audits to identify potential cryptographic weaknesses. Organizations should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for communications patterns associated with compromised cryptographic materials. The long-term solution involves adopting security-by-design principles where cryptographic materials are dynamically provisioned rather than statically embedded, aligning with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management.