SNMP Exploit
SNMP, or Simple Network Management Protocol, is a widely used protocol for managing and monitoring devices on IP networks. It is commonly used in enterprise networks to manage and monitor routers, switches, servers, and other network devices. Although SNMP is a valuable tool for network management, it can also create potential security risks if not properly configured.
One of the major risks associated with SNMP is the use of default community strings. These are pre-defined passwords that are used to authenticate SNMP requests and are often left unchanged by network administrators. As a result, Threat Actors can easily access a network’s devices by guessing or using commonly used default community strings. Recently, a vulnerability (CVE-2022-20918) in SNMP access controls for Cisco FirePOWER Software for Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) FirePOWER module, Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software, and Cisco Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to perform an SNMP GET request using a default credential.
Another security concern with SNMP is the potential for unauthenticated read and write access to network devices. If SNMP is not properly configured, Threat Actors can alter device configurations, causing disruptions to network services.
SNMP-based attacks have occurred in the past, such as in 2017 when malware called Mirai used SNMP to compromise and control IoT devices, leading to large-scale DDoS attacks. In 2019, a vulnerability in the SNMP implementation of Cisco’s Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software was exploited, allowing Threat Actors to gain unauthorized access to networks.
To protect against SNMP-related risks, network administrators must regularly review and update SNMP configurations, including changing default community strings and properly authenticating SNMP requests. Using secure versions of SNMP, such as SNMPv3, can also provide additional protection. By taking these precautions, organizations can ensure that their networks are protected against potential SNMP-based attacks.
While automated vulnerability scanning can be useful for identifying SNMP vulnerabilities, manual penetration testing services will provide better results in terms of depth and overall coverage. Automated testing may not always account for the nuances of a specific implementation, and as a result, may produce false positives or miss vulnerabilities altogether. Manual testing, on the other hand, is performed by experienced penetration testers who can identify vulnerabilities specific to an organization’s environment, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of security risks.
At Netragard, we can help protect against SNMP vulnerabilities and other cyber threats with our manual penetration testing services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help secure your network.
