CVE-2019-25291 in SmartLiving SmartLAN
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2026
INIM Electronics Smartliving SmartLAN/G/SI <=6.x contains hard-coded credentials in its Linux distribution image that cannot be changed through normal device operations. Attackers can exploit these persistent credentials to log in and gain unauthorized system access across multiple SmartLiving device models.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2026
The vulnerability in INIM Electronics Smartliving SmartLAN/G/SI devices represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper credential management practices within embedded systems. This issue affects all versions up to and including 6.x of the SmartLiving product line, indicating a widespread problem that spans multiple device models and firmware iterations. The hard-coded credentials exist within the Linux distribution image itself, making them immutable through standard device configuration procedures or normal operational workflows. This design decision fundamentally undermines the security posture of these devices by creating persistent backdoors that remain active regardless of user configuration changes or system updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the inclusion of fixed username and password combinations directly within the operating system image during the manufacturing process. These credentials are embedded at the kernel level or within system initialization files, making them accessible to anyone who can gain access to the device's file system or network interfaces. The persistence of these credentials across device operations means that even if users attempt to change passwords through legitimate interfaces, the hard-coded values will continue to function as valid authentication mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software implementations, and represents a classic example of poor security engineering practices in IoT device development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass broader security compromise possibilities within affected networks. Attackers who discover or exploit these hard-coded credentials can gain full administrative control over the devices, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept communications, or use the compromised devices as entry points for lateral movement within connected networks. The multi-model nature of this vulnerability suggests that attackers can leverage a single set of credentials across different device types within the SmartLiving ecosystem, amplifying the potential damage and attack surface. This scenario particularly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for unauthorized access, and demonstrates how embedded system design flaws can create persistent threats that persist through conventional security measures.
Security implications of this vulnerability extend to compliance and regulatory frameworks governing IoT device security, as these hardcoded credentials directly violate principles of secure by design. Organizations deploying these devices face significant risks including potential data breaches, network infiltration, and compliance violations under standards such as NIST SP 800-53 or ISO/IEC 27001. The inability to change these credentials through normal device operations means that security teams cannot remediate the issue without physical device replacement or firmware modification, creating operational challenges for network administrators. This vulnerability also demonstrates the broader industry problem of hardcoded credentials in embedded systems, where security considerations are often secondary to cost and time-to-market pressures during development cycles. The persistence of such flaws across multiple device models indicates a systemic issue within the vendor's security development lifecycle, potentially affecting numerous installations and creating widespread exposure across various deployment scenarios including residential, commercial, and industrial environments.