CVE-2017-6532 in COAXDATA GATEWAY 1Gbps
Summary
by MITRE
Televes COAXDATA GATEWAY 1Gbps devices doc-wifi-hgw_v1.02.0014 4.20 have cleartext credentials in /mib.db.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The Televes COAXDATA GATEWAY 1Gbps device represents a network infrastructure component that stores sensitive authentication credentials in an unencrypted database file. This vulnerability affects firmware versions doc-wifi-hgw_v1.02.0014 4.20 and exposes credentials in the /mib.db file, which serves as a configuration storage mechanism for the device's management interfaces. The presence of cleartext credentials in a publicly accessible database file creates a fundamental security weakness that violates basic principles of credential protection and secure configuration management. This flaw directly impacts the device's ability to maintain confidential authentication information, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the network gateway's administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential storage practices within the device's configuration management system. The /mib.db file contains authentication information in plain text format rather than employing encryption or hashing mechanisms to protect sensitive data. This represents a clear violation of security best practices and falls under the category of weak credential storage as defined by CWE-312. The device's firmware fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive information, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit through simple file access methods. The cleartext nature of these credentials means that any individual with access to the device's file system or network connectivity can directly extract and utilize administrative login information without requiring additional cracking or decryption efforts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader network security implications. An attacker who gains access to the device can leverage these cleartext credentials to assume administrative control of the gateway, potentially leading to complete network compromise. This vulnerability enables lateral movement within the network, as the attacker can use the legitimate administrative credentials to access other network resources and systems. The exposure of these credentials also violates fundamental principles of network security architecture, as it undermines the device's role as a security boundary element. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the device is properly secured or replaced, as the credentials remain accessible regardless of network configuration changes or access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of both immediate and long-term security measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper firmware updates are applied. The immediate remediation involves securing physical access to the devices and implementing network segmentation to limit access to these critical infrastructure components. Network administrators must implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to the device's configuration files. Security controls should include regular vulnerability assessments, proper credential rotation procedures, and implementation of secure configuration management practices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following industry standards such as those defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 for secure device management and configuration. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to device configuration files and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include not only updating firmware but also establishing secure credential handling practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments.