Unpatched network devices

Overview

Unpatched network devices can lead to:

• Network devices running outdated firmware that contains security flaws.
• Devices using default usernames and passwords that are more susceptible to being compromised.
• A failure to regularly update or patch network devices that leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
• Network devices that are accessible from the public internet, which are at greater risk of being targeted by attackers.
• Weak or no authentication for remote management portals e.g., Telnet, UPnP, or SNMP.

Consequences

If an attacker successfully exploits unpatched network devices, the following could happen:

• Network breach: Attackers can gain access to the internal network, potentially accessing sensitive data or other devices on the network.
• Traffic interception: Attackers can intercept or manipulate data transmitted over the network, leading to data theft or man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
• Device takeover: Attackers can take control of network devices, leading to service disruptions or long-term surveillance of network traffic.
• Malware injection: Compromised network devices can be used to distribute malware to connected devices, including mobile phones.

Solutions and best practices

To mitigate the risks associated with unpatched network devices, organizations should implement the following security measures:

• Firmware updates: Regularly update the firmware of all network devices to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Change default credentials: Ensure that all network devices are configured with strong, unique passwords, replacing any default credentials.
• Network security audits: Perform regular audits of network devices to identify outdated firmware and security misconfigurations.
• Network security best practice: Establish best practice procedures for network security, such as disabling unused protocols and configuring strong firewall rules.
• App shielding: In mobile apps, app shielding can help detect and prevent unauthorized access that could stem from vulnerabilities in network infrastructure.