CVE-2018-25147 in IPn4G
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
Microhard Systems IPn4G 1.1.0 contains hardcoded default credentials that cannot be changed through normal gateway operations. Attackers can exploit these default credentials to gain unauthorized root-level access to the device by logging in with predefined username and password combinations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25147 affects Microhard Systems IPn4G version 1.1.0, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms. This issue manifests through the presence of hardcoded default credentials within the firmware that remain immutable through standard administrative procedures. The device's design fails to provide users with the ability to modify or disable these default authentication credentials, creating a persistent security weakness that persists across device reboots and configuration changes. Such a flaw fundamentally compromises the device's access control framework and represents a clear violation of security best practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the embedded nature of default credentials within the device's firmware code, typically stored in configuration files or memory segments that are not accessible through normal user interfaces. These hardcoded credentials are often included during the manufacturing process and remain static throughout the device's operational lifecycle. The inability to modify these credentials through standard gateway operations indicates a design flaw in the authentication subsystem where administrative controls for credential management are either absent or severely restricted. This weakness allows attackers to bypass any user-defined authentication mechanisms that might otherwise be in place.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access. Attackers who exploit these hardcoded credentials can achieve root-level privileges, enabling them to execute arbitrary code, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The severity of this access level compromise means that attackers can effectively take complete control of the device and potentially use it as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial and enterprise environments where these devices may serve as critical network components, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt operations or gain access to other connected systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all network device configurations. From an attack methodology standpoint, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts through default accounts, and T1003.002 for credential access through OS credential dumping. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no specialized tools or advanced exploitation techniques, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-25147 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying firmware updates from Microhard Systems that address the hardcoded credential issue and provide mechanisms for users to modify authentication credentials. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls, including firewall rules that restrict access to the device's management interfaces, and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized login attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive asset inventories to identify all affected devices and ensure that default credentials are either changed or disabled where possible. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar hardcoded credential issues in other network equipment, as this represents a common security weakness in embedded systems and network infrastructure devices.