CVE-2019-15064 in GPON
Summary
by MITRE
HiNet GPON firmware version < I040GWR190731 allows an attacker login to device without any authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2019
This vulnerability exists in HiNet GPON firmware versions prior to I040GWR190731 and represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative access to network devices. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication mechanisms within the firmware implementation, where the device fails to properly validate user credentials during the login process. This weakness enables remote attackers to access the device's administrative interface without requiring valid credentials, effectively providing them with full control over the network infrastructure. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it affects GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) devices that serve as critical network access points for broadband services, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise network security and access sensitive data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. Attackers can exploit this flaw by directly accessing the device management interface through network protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS, bypassing all standard authentication mechanisms. This weakness falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials gained through default credentials or weak authentication. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to device configuration parameters, network settings, and potentially sensitive user data that flows through the GPON infrastructure, making it a significant concern for network administrators and security professionals responsible for protecting broadband access networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. Network operators using affected HiNet GPON devices face severe risks including service disruption, data interception, and potential compromise of the entire network segment served by these devices. The vulnerability affects not only individual devices but also represents a systemic risk to network security, as attackers can leverage this access to move laterally within the network and compromise additional connected systems. Organizations relying on GPON technology for broadband access services must consider the potential for large-scale network compromise, as these devices often serve as entry points for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the latest available versions that address the authentication bypass flaw. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to GPON management interfaces and ensure that administrative access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other network infrastructure components. The remediation process must also include network-wide vulnerability scanning to identify all affected devices, followed by coordinated firmware updates that ensure proper authentication mechanisms are restored. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns and unauthorized configuration changes that may indicate exploitation attempts against this vulnerability.