CVE-2018-14528 in NVX220
Summary
by MITRE
Invoxia NVX220 devices allow TELNET access as admin with a default password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14528 affects Invoxia NVX220 devices, representing a critical security flaw that exposes these network communication devices to unauthorized administrative access. This issue stems from the device's configuration that permits telnet connections with hardcoded administrative credentials, creating an inherent weakness in the device's authentication framework. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running firmware versions that have not been updated to address this default credential exposure, leaving them susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who may gain full administrative control over the device's operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's network service configuration where telnet protocol is enabled with default administrative credentials that have not been changed by the device administrator. This represents a fundamental failure in secure configuration management and violates industry best practices for device hardening. The default password configuration creates a persistent attack surface that remains unchanged regardless of network environment or security requirements, effectively providing a backdoor access mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures. This flaw aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and demonstrates poor security hygiene in embedded device deployment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to manipulate network configurations, modify communication parameters, and potentially intercept or alter data transmission between connected systems. An attacker with administrative access can reconfigure the device to redirect traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on these devices for critical communication services, as it could lead to complete loss of control over network operations and potential data compromise. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it attractive to threat actors seeking quick and effective access to network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14528 must focus on immediate credential management and configuration updates. Device administrators should immediately change default administrative passwords to strong, unique credentials and disable unnecessary services such as telnet where ssh alternatives are available. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to unauthorized network segments. Regular security audits and firmware updates should be conducted to ensure that devices are running the latest security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following NIST SP 800-125 guidelines for secure device configuration and demonstrates the necessity of implementing principle of least privilege access controls for network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and implement continuous vulnerability scanning to identify similar configuration weaknesses across their infrastructure.