1. Introduction
The Alcatel OmniSwitch Default Credentials vulnerability allows access to remote devices using factory-set usernames and passwords via FTP. This poses a critical risk as attackers can gain full administrative control of network switches, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized network changes. Systems affected are Alcatel OmniSwitches configured with default credentials. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability stems from using well-known default credentials for FTP access on Alcatel OmniSwitches. An attacker can connect to the switch’s FTP service using these credentials without authentication challenges. This allows them to modify configurations, extract sensitive data, and potentially compromise other systems connected to the network. There is no known CVE associated with this specific issue, but it falls under CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials). A remote attacker could simply use an FTP client to connect using default credentials.
- Root cause: The device ships with pre-defined usernames and passwords that are not changed during initial setup.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker uses a standard FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) to connect to the switch’s IP address using default credentials. Once connected, they can access the file system and modify configurations. For example, connecting with username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’.
- Scope: Alcatel OmniSwitches configured with default FTP credentials are affected. Specific versions were not provided in the context.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking if default credentials work for FTP access. A quick check is to attempt a connection using common defaults, while a thorough method includes reviewing configurations.
- Quick checks: Attempt an FTP connection to the switch’s IP address with username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 10428 (Alcatel OmniSwitch Default Credentials) may detect this vulnerability. This is provided as an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Check FTP logs for successful logins from unexpected sources or using default credentials. Log locations vary by device model, but typically reside in /var/log/auth.log or similar system logs.
ftp <switch_ip>
Connected to <switch_ip>.
220 Alcatel OmniSwitch FTP Server ready...
Name (<switch_ip>:admin): admin
Password:
331 Password required for admin.
Password:
230 User admin logged in.
ftp> ls
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution is to change the default password or block access to the FTP port.
4.1 Preparation
- Stopping services is not required for this remediation.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Access the switch’s command-line interface (CLI) via SSH or console.
- Step 2: Enter configuration mode by typing ‘configure terminal’.
- Step 3: Change the password for the ‘admin’ user using the ‘password admin <new_password>’ command.
- Step 4: Save the configuration using the ‘write memory’ or ‘copy running-config startup-config’ command.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
configure terminal
show password admin
Password is hidden for security reasons.
After
configure terminal
password admin <new_strong_password>
write memory
show password admin
Password is hidden for security reasons.
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several practices can help prevent this type of vulnerability.
- Practice 1: Enforce strong passwords and regular password changes. This reduces the risk of successful brute-force attacks or credential reuse.
- Practice 2: Implement least privilege access control. Limit user permissions to only what is necessary for their role, reducing the impact if an account is compromised.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation scripts are not provided as they depend on specific network management tools and switch models.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that default credentials no longer work for FTP access, and a smoke test of basic connectivity.
- Post-fix check: Attempt an FTP connection to the switch’s IP address with username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’. The connection should fail. Expected output: “Login incorrect”.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick check from Section 3; default credentials should no longer grant access.
- Smoke test: Verify basic network connectivity by pinging the switch’s IP address and accessing its web interface (if enabled) with the new password.
ftp <switch_ip>
Connected to <switch_ip>.
220 Alcatel OmniSwitch FTP Server ready...
Name (<switch_ip>:admin): admin
Password:
331 Password required for admin.
Password:
530 Login incorrect.
ftp> quit
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regular security baselines, patch management, and logging can help prevent similar issues.
- Baselines: Update a network device baseline to include requirements for strong passwords and disabling unnecessary services like FTP.
- Pipelines: Implement configuration validation checks in CI/CD pipelines to ensure default credentials are not present in switch configurations.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular schedule for reviewing and updating switch firmware and security settings.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing the password may temporarily disrupt access if the new password is forgotten or incorrectly configured.
8. References and Resources
Links only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: No specific vendor advisory was provided in the context. Check Alcatel’s support website for relevant security notices.
- NVD or CVE entry: No known CVE associated with this specific issue.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to the Alcatel OmniSwitch configuration guide for password management instructions.