CVE-2017-2131 in KX-HJB1000
Summary
by MITRE
Panasonic KX-HJB1000 Home unit devices with firmware GHX1YG 14.50 or HJB1000_4.47 allow an attacker to bypass access restrictions to view the configuration menu via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2131 affects Panasonic KX-HJB1000 home unit devices running specific firmware versions including GHX1YG 14.50 and HJB1000_4.47. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of these networked communication devices. The issue stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that permit unauthorized users to bypass normal access restrictions and gain visibility into the device's configuration menu. Such a vulnerability compromises the fundamental security principle of least privilege and creates potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to exploit the device's operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves unspecified vectors that likely relate to improper session management, weak authentication protocols, or inadequate input validation within the device's web interface or management protocols. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, potentially including unauthenticated HTTP requests, improper access control checks, or session token vulnerabilities. This weakness in the device's security architecture allows attackers to navigate directly to sensitive configuration interfaces without proper authorization, effectively disabling the device's built-in access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to critical device configuration parameters that may include network settings, user credentials, communication protocols, and other sensitive operational data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify device settings, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The implications are particularly concerning for home network environments where these devices often serve as primary communication hubs, potentially providing attackers with a foothold for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the device as a pivot point for broader network infiltration activities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1011 for exfiltration of data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Panasonic to address the access control flaws, network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper access controls are implemented at network boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust authentication mechanisms and proper access control implementation in networked devices, particularly those that serve as communication hubs in home and small office environments. Regular security assessments and firmware update procedures are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.