CVE-2017-16523 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-16523 was published on November 3, 2017, and involves MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC (HGU) and DSL-100HN-T1 ES_113WJY0b16 devices having an undisclosed password 'zyad1234' for the 'zyad1234' account, which grants root access.

Understanding CVE-2017-16523

This CVE entry highlights a critical security issue in MitraStar devices that could lead to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2017-16523?

This CVE refers to the presence of a hardcoded password in MitraStar devices that can be exploited to gain root privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16523

The presence of the hardcoded password poses a severe security risk as unauthorized users can potentially gain full control over the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16523

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves MitraStar devices having an undocumented 'zyad1234' password for the 'zyad1234' account, which essentially functions as a root password.

Affected Systems and Versions

MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC (HGU) 1.00(VNJ0)b1
DSL-100HN-T1 ES_113WJY0b16

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit the hardcoded password to gain root access, compromising the security of the devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2017-16523 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change the default 'zyad1234' password on affected devices immediately.
Implement strong, unique passwords for all accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories from MitraStar and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.