CVE-2017-2236 in Home Gateway HEM-GW16A
Summary
by MITRE
Toshiba Home gateway HEM-GW16A firmware HEM-GW16A-FW-V1.2.0 and earlier, Toshiba Home gateway HEM-GW26A firmware HEM-GW26A-FW-V1.2.0 and earlier uses hard-coded credentials, which may allow attackers to perform operations on device with administrative privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2236 affects Toshiba Home gateway devices including the HEM-GW16A and HEM-GW26A models running firmware versions up to and including V1.2.0. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the device firmware. The vulnerability manifests through the use of hard-coded credentials that are embedded within the device software during the manufacturing process, creating a persistent security weakness that cannot be easily remediated through standard configuration changes.
The technical flaw associated with this vulnerability falls under the category of hardcoded credentials, which is classified as CWE-798 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness occurs when authentication credentials such as passwords, keys, or tokens are embedded directly within the source code or firmware of a device, making them accessible to anyone who can examine the device's software components. The implementation of such credentials in the Toshiba gateway firmware creates a situation where attackers can gain administrative access to the device without needing to perform complex exploitation techniques or bypass sophisticated security controls. The hard-coded nature of these credentials means that they remain constant across all devices of the same model and firmware version, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to automated attack tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass a comprehensive compromise of the device's security posture. An attacker with knowledge of these hardcoded credentials can perform any operation available to an administrator, including but not limited to modifying network configurations, accessing sensitive device information, installing malicious software, or using the device as a pivot point for attacks on other systems within the network. This vulnerability directly enables privilege escalation attacks and can lead to persistent access within the network infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe for home gateway devices since they often serve as the primary entry point for internet connectivity and may be used to protect other networked devices. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that these devices typically handle sensitive information related to network communications and user activities.
The attack vectors for exploiting this vulnerability are relatively straightforward and can be executed by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The hardcoded credentials are often discoverable through reverse engineering of the firmware or by consulting publicly available documentation and research. Once an attacker gains administrative access, they can leverage the device's network connectivity to conduct further reconnaissance, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised gateway as a staging area for attacks against other networked systems. This vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations and individuals who deploy these devices in their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple devices and firmware versions means that the risk remains constant until the device is physically replaced or the firmware is updated to remove the hardcoded credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credential issue. The most effective approach involves updating the firmware to versions that do not contain hardcoded credentials and implementing proper authentication mechanisms. Network administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize their remediation. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation attempt. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other networked devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and the need for manufacturers to avoid embedding credentials in firmware during the development phase, instead implementing robust authentication mechanisms that can be managed and updated through proper security protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain detailed logs of device access for forensic analysis purposes.