CVE-2024-42639
📋 TL;DR
H3C GR1100-P routers running version v100R009 contain a hardcoded root password in the /etc/shadow file, allowing attackers to gain full administrative control. This affects all devices running the vulnerable firmware version. Attackers can compromise the device remotely if network access is available.
💻 Affected Systems
- H3C GR1100-P
📦 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, and disable security functions.
Likely Case
Attackers gain root access to modify configurations, steal credentials, and use the device as a foothold for further attacks.
If Mitigated
If isolated from untrusted networks and with strict access controls, impact is limited to local network compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only SSH/Telnet access and knowledge of the hardcoded password.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v100R010 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.h3c.com/cn/d_202308/1912371_30005_0.htm
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest firmware from H3C support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload and install new firmware via web interface or CLI. 4. Reboot device. 5. Verify new firmware version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Change root password
linuxManually change the root password to a strong unique value
passwd root
Disable remote root login
linuxPrevent SSH/Telnet root access
Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config: PermitRootLogin no
service ssh restart
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate device in separate VLAN with strict firewall rules
- Implement network segmentation to limit device access to management networks only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check /etc/shadow file for known hardcoded password hash or attempt SSH login with documented credentialsCheck Version:
cat /proc/version | grep -i h3cVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is v100R010+ and root password has been changed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed SSH/Telnet login attempts followed by successful root login
- Unusual root user activity at odd hours
Network Indicators:
- SSH/Telnet connections from unexpected IP addresses
- Unusual outbound connections from router
SIEM Query:
source="router_logs" (event="authentication success" AND user="root")