CVE-2019-14919 in Smart Energy Router SG600R2
Summary
by MITRE
An exposed Telnet Service on the Billion Smart Energy Router SG600R2 with firmware v3.02.rc6 allows a local network attacker to authenticate via hardcoded credentials into a shell, gaining root execution privileges over the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14919 represents a critical security flaw in the Billion Smart Energy Router SG600R2 device, specifically affecting firmware version v3.02.rc6. This issue stems from the improper configuration of network services where the Telnet service remains accessible from the local network without proper authentication mechanisms. The device exposes a Telnet daemon that listens on the network interface, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by unauthorized users within the same network segment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of hardcoded authentication credentials within the device firmware. This flaw directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software systems. The device contains embedded credentials that are not only predictable but also remain unchanged across different deployments, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access without requiring additional reconnaissance or credential cracking efforts. The Telnet service operates with default administrative privileges, and the hardcoded credentials provide direct access to a shell environment with elevated permissions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for network security posture as it enables local network attackers to achieve complete control over the affected device. The attacker can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to further network infiltration, data exfiltration, or use of the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The attack requires minimal technical expertise since the credentials are hardcoded and readily available, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented.
The security implications extend beyond the immediate device compromise, as this vulnerability can facilitate broader network attacks and persistence mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as credential access and privilege escalation, where attackers can leverage the hardcoded credentials to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. The device's exposure to local network traffic means that any user with access to the network segment can potentially exploit this vulnerability, regardless of their legitimate network access rights.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate network segmentation to isolate critical devices, disabling unnecessary services such as Telnet, and implementing proper access controls. Network administrators should verify that all network devices have been updated to versions that do not contain hardcoded credentials, and implement regular security audits to identify exposed services. The most effective remediation involves disabling the Telnet service entirely and replacing it with more secure alternatives such as SSH. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar hardcoded credential issues in other network infrastructure devices, as this pattern suggests potential security misconfigurations that could affect multiple systems within the network ecosystem.