CVE-2018-12526 in SDT-CS3B1
Summary
by MITRE
Telesquare SDT-CS3B1 and SDT-CW3B1 devices through 1.2.0 have a default factory account. Remote attackers can obtain access to the device via TELNET using a hardcoded account.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12526 affects Telesquare SDT-CS3B1 and SDT-CW3B1 network security devices running firmware versions up to 1.2.0. These devices are part of the security infrastructure used for network monitoring and protection, making them critical components in enterprise and industrial environments. The flaw represents a fundamental security weakness that directly undermines the device's authentication mechanisms and exposes the entire system to unauthorized access. This vulnerability falls under the category of hardcoded credentials, which is a well-documented security risk that has been consistently flagged by industry standards and threat intelligence organizations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the presence of a default factory account with hardcoded credentials that remain unchanged after device provisioning. Attackers can exploit this weakness by establishing a TELNET connection to the device using the predetermined username and password combination. This method of access bypasses all normal authentication procedures and provides attackers with direct administrative access to the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because TELNET protocol transmits credentials in plaintext, making it trivial for network sniffers to capture authentication information during the connection process. This flaw directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a classic example of poor security implementation in embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected devices. Once compromised, these security devices can be used to monitor network traffic, modify security policies, disable protective measures, or even serve as entry points for further attacks within the network perimeter. The affected devices typically serve as network monitoring points, intrusion detection systems, or security gateways, making their compromise particularly dangerous for organizations relying on them for network protection. This vulnerability can be exploited by any remote attacker with knowledge of the default credentials, making it a high-severity threat that requires immediate attention. The attack vector is straightforward and accessible, requiring no specialized tools or techniques beyond basic network reconnaissance and TELNET client usage.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including immediate firmware updates from the vendor to patch the hardcoded credential issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict TELNET access to these devices, while also disabling unnecessary services and protocols. The use of SSH instead of TELNET should be mandated for all administrative access, as SSH provides encrypted communication channels that protect against credential interception. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and implement proper access control measures, including regular credential rotation and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. These measures align with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation, ensuring that organizations maintain robust security postures against such fundamental vulnerabilities.