CVE-2019-7261 in Linear eMerge E3
Summary
by MITRE
Linear eMerge E3-Series devices have Hard-coded Credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The Linear eMerge E3-Series devices represent a class of networked security appliances that incorporate hard-coded credentials as part of their default configuration. These devices are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for access control and security management purposes, making their vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective. The presence of hard-coded credentials within these systems creates a fundamental security weakness that persists across device deployments and updates, as these credentials are embedded within the firmware or software configuration rather than being dynamically generated or user-defined.
This vulnerability stems from a design flaw where default administrative credentials are permanently embedded within the device firmware or software components. The hard-coded nature of these credentials means they remain unchanged regardless of deployment environment or security requirements, creating a persistent attack surface that adversaries can exploit without needing to perform complex credential guessing or brute force attempts. The flaw directly violates security best practices and industry standards that emphasize the importance of unique, dynamic credentials for all administrative access points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent administrative privileges that can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise. Once an attacker gains access through these hard-coded credentials, they can manipulate device configurations, disable security features, or use the compromised device as a foothold for broader network infiltration. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of security systems that rely on these devices for access control, potentially allowing attackers to bypass critical security controls that these appliances are designed to enforce.
Security professionals should consider implementing comprehensive network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while also ensuring regular firmware updates and configuration reviews. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software, and represents a clear violation of NIST SP 800-53 security controls related to authentication and access control. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement immediate remediation measures including credential rotation and network isolation where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under credential access techniques, specifically targeting the use of default credentials as a means of gaining initial system access and persistence within target environments.