1. Introduction
Visualware MyConnection Server Web Default Credentials refers to the use of factory-set usernames and passwords on Visualware MCS systems. This is a common security issue because attackers frequently target default credentials as an easy entry point into networks. Systems affected are typically those running the Visualware MyConnection Server web interface, used for network quality management. Successful exploitation can lead to full administrative control of the server, impacting confidentiality, integrity and availability of network monitoring data.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability occurs because the MCS installation does not force a password change during setup. An attacker can use these known credentials to log in remotely via the web interface. There is no CVE currently associated with this specific issue, but it falls under CWE-798: Use of Hardcoded Credentials. A simple example would be an attacker attempting login using ‘admin’ as both username and password. Affected versions are those that ship with default credentials enabled; older versions without a forced change mechanism are most at risk.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to log in to the web interface with default credentials (often ‘admin’/’admin’, or similar). If successful, they gain administrative privileges.
- Scope: Visualware MyConnection Server versions that do not enforce password changes upon initial installation are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm the vulnerability by attempting to log in with default credentials. A thorough assessment involves checking all MCS instances for this configuration.
- Quick checks: Attempt login via the web interface using ‘admin’ as both username and password.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16847 may identify this issue, but results should be manually verified.
- Logs and evidence: Check MCS logs for successful logins from default accounts or failed attempts followed by a successful login with common default credentials. Log locations vary depending on installation; check the Visualware documentation.
curl -u admin:admin http://[target_ip]/login4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution is to change the default credentials immediately. Follow these steps carefully to avoid service disruption.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have documented the original credentials for roll back purposes. A simple roll back plan is to restore from the pre-change snapshot/backup.
- Changes should be made during a scheduled maintenance window with appropriate approval from IT management.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the Visualware MyConnection Server web interface using the default credentials (if possible).
- Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Administration’ or ‘Settings’ section of the web interface. The exact location varies by version.
- Step 3: Locate the ‘User Accounts’ or ‘Password Management’ settings.
- Step 4: Change the password for the default administrator account to a strong, unique password.
- Step 5: Log out of the web interface and verify that you can no longer log in with the old credentials.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Username: admin
Password: adminAfter
Username: administrator
Password: [Strong, unique password]4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if an account is compromised. Safe defaults ensure systems start in a secure configuration. A regular patch cadence ensures known vulnerabilities are addressed quickly.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege by limiting administrator access to only those who require it.
- Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies, including complexity and rotation requirements.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is difficult without direct API access to the MCS configuration. PowerShell scripts could be used if the web interface supports command-line interaction, but this requires careful testing.
# Example only - untested and may require modification
# $username = "admin"
# $password = "NewStrongPassword"
# Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://[target_ip]/changepassword" -Method POST -Body @{ username=$username; password=$password }5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt login via the web interface using ‘admin’ as both username and password; access should be denied.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick check from Section 3 to confirm that default credentials no longer work.
- Smoke test: Verify you can still log in with the new administrator account and view network quality data.
- Monitoring: Check MCS logs for failed login attempts using default credentials, which should now be blocked.
curl -u admin:admin http://[target_ip]/login # Should return an error or redirect to a login page6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include this check. Implement CI/CD pipeline checks to prevent deployments with default credentials enabled. A regular patch review cycle is essential for addressing known vulnerabilities.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy documentation to require immediate password changes on all new MCS installations.
- Pipelines: Consider adding a pre-deployment check that scans configuration files for default credentials.
- Asset and patch process: Review and apply patches for Visualware MyConnection Server within 30 days of release.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing the password incorrectly could lock out administrator access. Ensure you document the new credentials securely. If issues occur, restore from the pre-change snapshot/backup.
- Risk or side effect 1: Incorrectly entered new password may result in account lockout; ensure correct entry and have a recovery process.
- Risk or side effect 2: Service interruption if changes are made during peak hours; schedule maintenance accordingly.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: Visualware Support Portal
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is currently associated with this vulnerability.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Visualware Documentation