CVE-2018-18754 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A backdoor root account with a password hash vulnerability in ZyXEL VMG3312-B10B 1.00(AAPP.7) devices.

Understanding CVE-2018-18754

This CVE identifies a critical security issue in ZyXEL VMG3312-B10B 1.00(AAPP.7) devices.

What is CVE-2018-18754?

The etc/default.cfg file of the affected devices contains a backdoor root account with a password hash of tTn3+Z@!Sr0O+.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18754

The presence of a backdoor root account with a known password hash poses a severe security risk, allowing unauthorized access to the device.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18754

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a hardcoded backdoor root account with a specific password hash in the configuration file of the ZyXEL VMG3312-B10B 1.00(AAPP.7) devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: ZyXEL VMG3312-B10B 1.00(AAPP.7) devices
Affected Versions: 1.00(AAPP.7)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the hardcoded backdoor root account to gain unauthorized access to the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-18754.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the backdoor root account from the affected devices.
Change all default passwords and implement strong, unique passwords.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by ZyXEL to eliminate the backdoor root account vulnerability.