CVE-2016-10305
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to gain full root access to affected Trango wireless networking devices via SSH/TELNET using a hidden account with a default password that was publicly exposed. All organizations using the listed Trango products with vulnerable firmware versions are affected. The hidden root account provides complete control over the device's underlying UNIX operating system.
💻 Affected Systems
- Trango Apex
- ApexLynx
- ApexOrion
- ApexPlus
- Giga
- GigaLynx
- GigaOrion
- GigaPlus
- GigaPro
- StrataLink
- StrataPro
📦 What is this software?
Apex Firmware by Gotrango
Giga Firmware by Gotrango
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of network infrastructure, allowing attackers to intercept/modify all traffic, pivot to internal networks, install persistent backdoors, or disable critical communications.
Likely Case
Unauthorized root access leading to network reconnaissance, data interception, device configuration changes, and potential lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict access controls, SSH/TELNET disabled, and network segmentation prevents lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only SSH/TELNET access and knowledge of the default credentials. The vulnerability details and affected devices are publicly documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Apex 2.1.2+, ApexLynx 2.0+, ApexOrion 2.0+, ApexPlus 3.2.1+, Giga 2.6.2+, GigaLynx 2.0+, GigaOrion 2.0+, GigaPlus 3.2.4+, GigaPro 1.4.2+, StrataLink 3.0+, StrataPro check with vendor
Vendor Advisory: http://blog.iancaling.com/post/153011925478
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Trango support for firmware updates. 2. Download appropriate firmware version for your device model. 3. Follow Trango's firmware upgrade procedure. 4. Verify the hidden root account is removed or password changed.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable SSH/TELNET Access
allDisable SSH and TELNET services if not required for operations
Check device configuration interface for service disable options
Network Access Control
linuxRestrict SSH/TELNET access to trusted management networks only using firewall rules
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -s TRUSTED_IP -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 23 -s TRUSTED_IP -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 23 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Change default passwords on all accounts and disable the hidden root account if possible
- Isolate affected devices in separate network segments with strict firewall rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt SSH/TELNET connection to device using known default credentials for hidden root accountCheck Version:
Check device web interface or use 'show version' command via consoleVerify Fix Applied:
Verify SSH/TELNET access with default credentials fails and check firmware version is patched📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful root login
- SSH/TELNET connections from unexpected sources
- Configuration changes from unknown users
Network Indicators:
- SSH/TELNET traffic to devices from unauthorized IPs
- Unusual outbound connections from devices
SIEM Query:
source="device_logs" (event="authentication success" AND user="root") OR (port=22 OR port=23) AND dest_ip="device_ip" AND NOT src_ip IN trusted_ips