CVE-2024-54751 in CF-WR630AX
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2024
COMFAST CF-WR630AX v2.7.0.2 was discovered to contain a hardcoded password vulnerability in /etc/shadow, which allows attackers to log in as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The COMFAST CF-WR630AX v2.7.0.2 router firmware presents a critical security vulnerability through a hardcoded password implementation within the /etc/shadow file. This configuration flaw represents a fundamental breach in authentication security, where default credentials are embedded directly into the system rather than being dynamically generated or securely stored. The vulnerability directly violates established security principles that require unique, strong authentication mechanisms for administrative access to network devices. The presence of hardcoded credentials in the shadow file indicates poor secure coding practices and inadequate security testing during the firmware development lifecycle. This issue falls under the CWE-259 weakness category, specifically addressing the use of hard-coded passwords, which is classified as a high-severity vulnerability in the CWE hierarchy. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique, specifically under T1566.002 for credential access through default credentials, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors seeking unauthorized network access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve privileged root access to the affected router without requiring any additional authentication factors or complex attack vectors. Once an attacker successfully logs in as root, they gain complete control over the device's network configuration, can modify firewall rules, access sensitive network data, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The hardcoded nature of the password means that it remains constant across all affected devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects an entire product line rather than individual instances. The presence of this vulnerability in the /etc/shadow file specifically indicates that the system is storing credentials in plaintext or using weak cryptographic mechanisms, which violates standard security practices for credential storage. Network administrators who fail to update their firmware versions remain exposed to this persistent threat, as the default credentials are typically documented in various security databases and exploit frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate unauthorized access to encompass broader network security implications. Organizations relying on COMFAST routers for network infrastructure may experience significant security breaches, including data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, and potential compromise of connected systems. The vulnerability affects not just the router itself but also any devices that trust the router's network configuration, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access points within the network. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network segmentation is crucial for security isolation. The attack surface expands when considering that many organizations do not regularly audit their network devices for such hardcoded credentials, making this vulnerability particularly stealthy. Security incidents resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or nist 800-53, which mandate proper authentication controls and regular security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from COMFAST to address the hardcoded credential issue and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure they are updated to the latest firmware versions. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary services, implementing network segmentation, and establishing robust monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure development practices and regular security assessments, particularly for embedded devices that often receive minimal security updates. Implementing a vulnerability management program that includes regular firmware updates, security scanning, and device hardening measures can prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Additionally, organizations should consider replacing affected devices with models that implement proper authentication mechanisms and have established security update channels to ensure ongoing protection against emerging threats.