CVE-2017-16523
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability involves hardcoded credentials (username: zyad1234, password: zyad1234) with root-equivalent access on MitraStar DSL routers. Attackers can gain full administrative control over affected devices. Organizations and home users with these specific router models are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- MitraStar GPT-2541GNAC (HGU)
- DSL-100HN-T1
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device takeover allowing attackers to intercept all network traffic, install persistent malware, pivot to internal networks, or disable internet connectivity.
Likely Case
Unauthorized administrative access leading to network monitoring, DNS hijacking, or device configuration changes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are behind firewalls with strict network segmentation and credential rotation policies.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only knowledge of the hardcoded credentials. Public exploit code demonstrates privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None found
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check vendor website for firmware updates and apply if available.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Change Default Credentials
allChange the password for the zyad1234 account immediately if it cannot be disabled.
Login via SSH/Telnet/web interface and change password using device administration tools
Disable Remote Management
allDisable WAN-side administrative access to prevent external exploitation.
Access router admin interface → Security/Remote Management → Disable remote access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with models from vendors that provide security updates
- Segment router management to isolated VLAN with strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt to SSH/Telnet to router using credentials zyad1234:zyad1234. If login succeeds, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check router web interface or use 'cat /proc/version' via SSH if accessibleVerify Fix Applied:
Verify new credentials work and old credentials fail. Check that remote management is disabled.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful login as zyad1234
- Unusual configuration changes from zyad1234 account
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected SSH/Telnet connections to router management interface
- Traffic patterns suggesting DNS hijacking or MITM
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" AND (user="zyad1234" OR auth_failure AND user="*")🔗 References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101672
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/144805/MitraStar-DSL-100HN-T1-GPT-2541GNAC-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43061/
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101672
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/144805/MitraStar-DSL-100HN-T1-GPT-2541GNAC-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/43061/
