CVE-2024-28010 in WG1800HP4
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2024
Use of Hard-coded Password in NEC Corporation Aterm WG1800HP4, WG1200HS3, WG1900HP2, WG1200HP3, WG1800HP3, WG1200HS2, WG1900HP, WG1200HP2, W1200EX(-MS), WG1200HS, WG1200HP, WF300HP2, W300P, WF800HP, WR8165N, WG2200HP, WF1200HP2, WG1800HP2, WF1200HP, WG600HP, WG300HP, WF300HP, WG1800HP, WG1400HP, WR8175N, WR9300N, WR8750N, WR8160N, WR9500N, WR8600N, WR8370N, WR8170N, WR8700N, WR8300N, WR8150N, WR4100N, WR4500N, WR8100N, WR8500N, CR2500P, WR8400N, WR8200N, WR1200H, WR7870S, WR6670S, WR7850S, WR6650S, WR6600H, WR7800H, WM3400RN, WM3450RN, WM3500R, WM3600R, WM3800R, WR8166N, MR01LN and MR02LN all versions allows a attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command via the internet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28010 represents a critical security flaw in multiple NEC Corporation wireless router models, specifically affecting devices including the Aterm WG1800HP4, WG1200HS3, and numerous other variants within the Aterm and WR series. This vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms where hard-coded passwords are embedded within the firmware of these network devices. The presence of such hard-coded credentials creates a persistent security risk that fundamentally undermines the device's ability to maintain secure network access and control. The flaw is categorized under CWE-259 as the use of hard-coded passwords, which directly violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that remains constant regardless of network configuration or user management changes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the internet-facing interfaces of these routers, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands without requiring legitimate authentication credentials. This represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that enables attackers to gain full administrative control over affected devices. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates entirely over the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with basic network connectivity. The implementation of hard-coded passwords in network device firmware violates industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which mandate the use of dynamic, secure authentication mechanisms and proper credential management practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to manipulate network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised devices as entry points for broader network attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and residential networks where these devices serve as primary gateways, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, data exfiltration, and network reconnaissance activities. The scope of affected devices spans multiple NEC product lines, suggesting a systemic flaw in the firmware development and security testing processes across these models. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify firewall rules, and create unauthorized network access points, making it a significant concern for network security professionals and system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28010 should include immediate firmware updates from NEC Corporation, which are essential for addressing the hard-coded password implementation. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and monitor network traffic for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong network access controls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems and network monitoring tools to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability, as the hard-coded nature of the credentials makes traditional authentication monitoring less effective.