CVE-2017-7317 in HG100R
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Humax Digital HG100 2.0.6 devices. The attacker can find the root credentials in the backup file, aka GatewaySettings.bin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7317 affects Humax Digital HG100 2.0.6 gateway devices, representing a critical security flaw that exposes root credentials through improperly protected backup files. This issue stems from inadequate security measures during the device configuration backup process, allowing unauthorized individuals to extract sensitive authentication information from the GatewaySettings.bin file. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in embedded device firmware design where administrative credentials are stored in plaintext within backup configurations without proper encryption or access controls.
This flaw constitutes a significant weakness in the device's security architecture, as it directly violates fundamental principles of credential protection and access control. The backup file format contains root-level authentication details in an easily accessible manner, creating an attack vector that aligns with CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials). The vulnerability enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise and unauthorized access to connected systems. From an operational perspective, this issue represents a critical risk to network security infrastructure, particularly in environments where these devices serve as primary gateways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with root-level access to modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent access points within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices often serve as the first line of defense in home and small office networks, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish footholds for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as it enables adversaries to leverage legitimate administrative credentials for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Humax Digital to address the backup file handling vulnerability, implementation of network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement, and mandatory encryption of all configuration backups. Network administrators should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management practices and proper credential handling in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for adherence to security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 for device security management. Regular security audits of network infrastructure should include verification of backup file integrity and access controls to prevent similar exposures in the future.