CVE-2024-25729 in SBG6580
Summary
by MITRE • 03/08/2024
Arris SBG6580 devices have predictable default WPA2 security passwords that could lead to unauthorized remote access. (They use the first 6 characters of the SSID and the last 6 characters of the BSSID, decrementing the last octet.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2026
The CVE-2024-25729 vulnerability affects Arris SBG6580 devices, representing a critical security flaw in wireless network configuration that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of WPA2 protected networks. This vulnerability stems from the device's implementation of default security credentials that follow a predictable pattern, making it trivial for attackers to derive the network password without requiring advanced technical skills or significant resources. The flaw specifically manifests in how the device generates default WPA2 passwords by utilizing the first six characters of the SSID combined with the last six characters of the BSSID, with the crucial modification of decrementing the last octet of the BSSID address. This predictable algorithmic approach directly violates security best practices and creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking unauthorized network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exposes a fundamental weakness in the device's credential generation mechanism, which operates under the assumption that security through obscurity is sufficient. The predictable nature of the password derivation process means that any attacker with access to the SSID and BSSID information can easily compute the default WPA2 password, effectively eliminating the security benefits of wireless encryption. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple security domains including wireless network security, credential management, and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper authentication, as the device fails to implement robust randomization or cryptographic methods for generating default credentials. According to CWE standards, this represents a weakness in credential generation where predictable values are used instead of cryptographically secure random numbers, specifically categorized under CWE-326 for use of weak encryption and CWE-259 for use of hard-coded passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized network access, creating a comprehensive security risk that can enable further exploitation and lateral movement within affected networks. Once an attacker successfully derives the WPA2 password, they can gain full access to the wireless network infrastructure, potentially leading to data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, or use of the compromised network as a launchpad for attacking other connected systems. The vulnerability affects all devices running the specific firmware versions of the Arris SBG6580, creating a widespread risk across various deployment scenarios including residential and small business environments where network security may be insufficiently monitored. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it accessible to threat actors of varying skill levels. Network administrators who rely on default configurations without implementing additional security measures face significant exposure, as the vulnerability operates silently without requiring user interaction or additional authentication steps.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25729 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent exploitation. The primary recommendation involves immediate replacement or updating of all affected devices with firmware versions that implement cryptographically secure randomization for default credentials, ensuring that no predictable patterns exist in password generation. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including disabling default credentials, enforcing strong password policies, and regularly auditing wireless network configurations. The implementation of network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework considerations, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and network discovery, with potential for lateral movement once initial access is achieved. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists, wireless intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar predictable credential patterns across their entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper secure configuration management and the need for robust security testing during device deployment and ongoing network maintenance activities.