CVE-2023-43845 in PE6208
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
Aten PE6208 2.3.228 and 2.4.232 have default credentials for the privileged telnet account. The user is not asked to change the credentials after first login. If not changed, attackers can log in to the telnet console and gain administrator privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43845 affects Aten PE6208 network switch devices running firmware versions 2.3.228 and 2.4.232. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the device's telnet service. The device ships with hardcoded default credentials that remain unchanged after initial deployment, creating an inherent security weakness that persists throughout the device's operational lifecycle. This issue directly violates fundamental security principles that require mandatory credential changes upon first access to prevent unauthorized administrative access.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of mandatory credential change policies for privileged telnet accounts. When administrators initially configure the device, they are not prompted to modify the default administrative credentials, which remain static and well-known to threat actors. The telnet protocol itself presents additional risks as it transmits credentials in plaintext, making the default credentials susceptible to interception during network traffic analysis. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-798 as the use of hardcoded credentials, and it aligns with CWE-312 which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through plaintext transmission. The persistence of default credentials creates a persistent attack vector that requires no complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete network compromise. An attacker who discovers or guesses the default credentials can establish a telnet session and immediately assume full administrative privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the switch configuration. This includes the ability to modify network settings, redirect traffic, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, and potentially create backdoor access points. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network switches serve as critical infrastructure components, as it allows attackers to manipulate network traffic flows and potentially escalate their access to other network segments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials used for lateral movement, and T1566 which involves social engineering attacks that exploit default credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most critical immediate action involves changing default credentials to strong, unique passwords for all administrative accounts, including telnet access. Network administrators should implement mandatory credential change policies that require administrators to update passwords upon first login and establish regular credential rotation schedules. The telnet service should be disabled entirely and replaced with secure alternatives such as SSH for remote administration. Network segmentation and access control lists should be implemented to limit direct access to management interfaces from untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar default credential issues across their entire network infrastructure, as this vulnerability represents a common pattern that may exist in other network devices from the same vendor or similar manufacturers. The implementation of network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized telnet access attempts and credential brute force attacks provides additional layers of defense against exploitation of this vulnerability.