CVE-2017-15909 in DGS-1500 Ax
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DGS-1500 Ax devices before 2.51B021 have a hardcoded password, which allows remote attackers to obtain shell access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15909 affects D-Link DGS-1500 series network switches, specifically those operating firmware versions prior to 2.51B021. This critical security flaw stems from the implementation of a hardcoded password within the device firmware, creating a persistent backdoor access mechanism that remote attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized shell access to the affected network infrastructure. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management and authentication design, where developers embedded a default password directly into the device software rather than implementing proper secure authentication mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through network-based attacks that target the switch's web management interface or command-line access points. Attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to establish administrative sessions without requiring legitimate user credentials or authentication challenges. This allows them to execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network switches serve as critical infrastructure components. The presence of hardcoded credentials directly violates security best practices and represents a design flaw categorized under CWE-259: Use of Hardcoded Password.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised switches can serve as launching points for broader network attacks. Attackers who gain shell access can manipulate network traffic, modify switch configurations, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This compromise undermines the integrity and confidentiality of network communications, potentially allowing attackers to monitor sensitive data flows or disrupt network operations. The vulnerability affects network security posture significantly since switches are typically considered trusted network devices, making their compromise particularly damaging to overall network defense strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 2.51B021 or later, which removes the hardcoded password and implements proper authentication mechanisms. Network administrators should also conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon firmware updates. Additional security measures include network segmentation, implementing strict access controls for switch management interfaces, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper credential management, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078.004: Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns and ensure that default administrative accounts are disabled or properly secured in all network devices.