CVE-2017-14027 in JetNet
Summary
by MITRE
A Use of Hard-coded Credentials 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. The software uses undocumented hard-coded credentials that may allow an attacker to gain remote access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14027 represents a critical security flaw in Korenix JetNet series network devices, specifically affecting multiple models including the JetNet5018G, JetNet5310G, and various other JetNet device variants. This issue stems from the implementation of hard-coded credentials within the firmware of these network appliances, creating a persistent backdoor that undermines the fundamental security posture of the affected systems. The vulnerability affects versions 1.4 and 1.4a of the JetNet5018G and related models, as well as version 1.1d for JetNet5828G and version 1.1 for JetNet6710G, indicating a widespread problem across multiple product lines and firmware versions.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of hardcoded authentication credentials within the device firmware that are not properly secured or obscured from unauthorized access. These hard-coded credentials provide a consistent method of authentication that bypasses normal security controls and authentication mechanisms, allowing any attacker who discovers these credentials to gain unauthorized access to the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it represents a design-level flaw in the security architecture, where the authentication system fails to implement proper credential management practices. According to the CWE database, this corresponds to CWE-798, Use of Hard-coded Credentials, which is classified as a high-severity weakness that directly enables unauthorized access to systems. The hard-coded credentials are typically embedded within the device firmware during manufacturing and are not changeable by administrators, making them an inherent security risk that persists across device lifecycles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to establish long-term presence within network environments. Attackers can leverage these hardcoded credentials to gain full administrative control over affected devices, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks against internal networks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, Valid Accounts, as it provides attackers with legitimate credentials that bypass normal authentication procedures. The implications are particularly severe for network infrastructure devices, as these appliances often serve as critical components in network security and traffic management, making their compromise a significant threat to overall network integrity and security posture.
Organizations utilizing affected Korenix JetNet devices face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as the hardcoded credentials create a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of network security updates or administrative password changes. The vulnerability's impact is exacerbated by the fact that these credentials are typically not well-documented or known to legitimate users, making detection difficult and increasing the window of opportunity for exploitation. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where embedded devices often contain hardcoded credentials due to manufacturing constraints or development shortcuts. The recommended mitigations include immediate firmware updates from Korenix if available, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and consider disabling unnecessary services or ports on these appliances to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure development practices and proper credential management in embedded systems, particularly in network infrastructure equipment where persistent access can have cascading effects throughout enterprise networks.