CVE-2018-15124 in Zipabox Smart Home Controller Board Rev 1
Summary
by MITRE
Weak hashing algorithm in Zipato Zipabox Smart Home Controller BOARD REV - 1 with System Version -118 allows unauthenticated attacker extract clear text passwords and get root access on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15124 affects the Zipato Zipabox Smart Home Controller model with board revision 1 and system version 118, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms. This weakness stems from the implementation of a weak hashing algorithm within the device's firmware, specifically in how it processes and stores user credentials. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and impacts the device's ability to securely authenticate users, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of insufficiently secure cryptographic hashing functions that fail to provide adequate protection for stored passwords. This weakness allows attackers to reverse-engineer hashed password values and recover clear text credentials without requiring authentication. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and represents a significant deviation from industry standards for secure password storage. The implementation likely utilizes outdated or deprecated hashing methods such as MD5 or SHA-1 without proper salting mechanisms, making the password recovery process significantly more feasible for threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with root access to the entire device, enabling complete system compromise. Once authenticated, an attacker can manipulate all aspects of the smart home controller, potentially gaining access to connected IoT devices, network configurations, and sensitive user data. This access could facilitate lateral movement within home networks, enabling attackers to compromise other connected devices and potentially access personal information stored within the smart home ecosystem. The vulnerability affects the device's integrity and confidentiality, as demonstrated through ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage.
Security implications are particularly severe given the nature of smart home controllers, which often serve as central hubs for home automation systems and may control access to physical security systems, lighting, heating, and other critical home functions. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized system manipulation and could potentially enable attackers to create persistent access points within home networks. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strong cryptographic hashing algorithms with proper salting, including the adoption of modern standards such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2. Device firmware updates should be prioritized to address the weak hashing implementation, and network segmentation should be employed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain regular security assessments of their IoT infrastructure.