CVE-2018-12323 in Axel 720P
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Momentum Axel 720P 5.1.8 devices. A password of EHLGVG is hard-coded for the root and admin accounts, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to login at the console.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-12323 represents a critical security flaw affecting Momentum Axel 720P 5.1.8 network devices where a hard-coded password EHLGVG is embedded for both root and admin accounts. This weakness stems from poor security implementation practices where developers embedded a default credential directly into the device firmware during manufacturing. The flaw creates a significant attack surface that allows unauthorized physical access to network equipment, as the hardcoded credentials provide direct administrative access without requiring any authentication process. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-259 as the use of hard-coded passwords, which violates fundamental security principles and represents a critical design flaw in the device's authentication mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers with physical proximity to the device to gain complete administrative control over the network equipment. This provides adversaries with the ability to modify network configurations, install malicious firmware, monitor network traffic, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no specialized tools or advanced techniques to exploit, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. The physical proximity requirement does not significantly limit the threat landscape, as many network devices are deployed in locations where unauthorized physical access is possible, such as server rooms, network closets, or outdoor installations.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials and T1018 which addresses remote system discovery. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it enables lateral movement within networks where devices may be connected to sensitive internal systems. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader network security assessments, particularly when evaluating the physical security controls of network infrastructure. The presence of hardcoded credentials also indicates potential issues with software development lifecycle security practices, suggesting that proper security testing and code review processes may have been bypassed during the development phase.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including changing default passwords on all affected devices, implementing network segmentation to limit physical access to critical infrastructure, and conducting comprehensive inventory audits to identify all devices with hardcoded credentials. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure. The remediation process should include firmware updates from the vendor when available, and in cases where updates are not provided, network administrators should consider replacing affected devices entirely. Additionally, implementing strong physical security controls such as locked server rooms, access logs, and regular security audits will help prevent unauthorized physical access to network equipment. This vulnerability underscores the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure system development and deployment.