CVE-2024-28744 in ACERA 9010-08
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2024
The password is empty in the initial configuration of ACERA 9010-08 firmware v02.04 and earlier, and ACERA 9010-24 firmware v02.04 and earlier. An unauthenticated attacker may log in to the product with no password, and obtain and/or alter information such as network configuration and user information. The products are affected only when running in non MS mode with the initial configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28744 represents a critical authentication flaw affecting ACERA 9010-08 and ACERA 9010-24 network appliances running firmware versions v02.04 and earlier. This weakness stems from improper initial configuration where the system defaults to an empty password field, creating an inherent security weakness that undermines the fundamental principle of authentication controls. The flaw specifically impacts devices operating in non MS mode with their initial configuration intact, making it particularly concerning for environments where these appliances are deployed without proper security hardening. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials that are not properly managed or configured during system initialization, and represents a classic case of insecure default configuration that exposes network infrastructure to unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to gain immediate administrative access to affected devices through a simple login attempt using an empty password field. This configuration bypasses all standard authentication mechanisms and provides full administrative privileges to any attacker who can reach the device's management interface. The operational impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the attacker can manipulate critical network configuration parameters, modify user accounts, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and no specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment scenarios where device security is not properly enforced. Network administrators who rely on default configurations without implementing proper security measures face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, encompassing data integrity, confidentiality, and availability concerns within the affected network environments. An attacker with access to the management interface can alter network settings, potentially redirecting traffic through malicious endpoints, modifying firewall rules, or establishing backdoor access points. The lack of password protection during initial configuration creates a window of opportunity for attackers to compromise the device before proper security measures can be implemented, representing a failure in the principle of least privilege and secure by default configurations. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad, as it allows for unauthorized modification of information, potential data exfiltration, and disruption of network services. The attack surface is particularly concerning when considering that the devices operate in non MS mode, which may indicate they are running in specialized network configurations where additional security controls may not be in place.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28744 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions that address the empty password configuration issue, as recommended by the vendor. Network administrators must implement mandatory password policies during initial device configuration, ensuring that all administrative accounts are properly secured with strong authentication credentials. The remediation process should include comprehensive network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces and implement network access controls that restrict administrative access to authorized personnel only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and configuration changes, with proper logging and alerting mechanisms in place. Organizations should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement security awareness training for personnel responsible for device deployment and management. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards, particularly regarding secure configuration management and access control implementation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that devices are properly configured and that default settings are not left insecure, preventing similar issues from occurring in the future.