External risk intelligence

GarrettCom Magnum Switch Authentication Bypass via Hardcoded String

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.3)

CVE-2017-20234

This vulnerability affects managed network switches. While network-reachable in some environments, these devices are typically deployed within internal, isolated management networks and are not intended to be exposed directly to the public internet.

Authentication Bypass

Halo Surface Signal: 2 out of 5 — less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This advisory concerns a critical vulnerability in GarrettCom Magnum 6K and 10K managed switches that allows unauthorized access to administrative functions by bypassing login controls. The issue stems from a hardcoded string within the authentication mechanism, enabling unauthenticated attackers to gain elevated privileges and access sensitive configuration data. The main concern is confirming relevance and exposure within your network infrastructure.

Unauthorized access bypasses switch logins.
Critical access allows sensitive configuration changes.
Confirm relevance and exposure of affected devices.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Attackers can bypass security controls on GarrettCom Magnum 6K and 10K managed switches by exploiting a hardcoded string within the authentication mechanism. This allows unauthenticated individuals to gain administrative access and modify sensitive switch configurations.

Unauthenticated network access is required.
A hardcoded string bypasses authentication.
Unauthorized administrative control is gained.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow unauthenticated attackers to bypass login controls on GarrettCom Magnum 6K and 10K managed switches, gaining unauthorized access to administrative functions and sensitive switch configurations. This is possible when an attacker can reach the affected devices over the network.

Sensitive switch configuration data.
Exploiting a hardcoded string in authentication.
Unauthorized administrative access.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The Infrastructure and Network Security teams are likely responsible for addressing this vulnerability in GarrettCom Magnum 6K and 10K managed switches, as it affects network device management. The first practical step is to identify all instances of these switches, assess their network accessibility and business criticality, and then coordinate with the network operations or asset management team to plan remediation, potentially involving vendor consultation.

Infrastructure and Network Security teams own.
Verify switch accessibility and business criticality.
Plan vendor-coordinated remediation.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

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Frequently asked questions

What are GarrettCom Magnum 6K and 10K switches?

These are managed industrial network switches used to connect devices within specialized environments like power utilities, manufacturing plants, or transportation systems. They provide the essential connectivity and traffic control needed to keep critical infrastructure operations running smoothly across a network.

What is the weakness behind CVE-2017-20234?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-798, which refers to the use of hardcoded credentials. Essentially, the software contains a permanent, embedded piece of text that acts as a hidden password. Because this string is built into the switch's authentication logic, it allows anyone who knows it to override standard login procedures and enter the system as an administrator.

How does an attacker trigger this authentication bypass?

An attacker triggers the bypass by sending a specifically crafted request to the device over the network that utilizes the hidden, hardcoded string. The bug is not triggered by physical interaction with the switch; it relies entirely on network reachability. If an attacker cannot reach the switch's management interface over the network, they cannot exploit this bypass.

Is my network at risk from this vulnerability?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is considered unlikely to be exposed because these switches are typically deployed in isolated management networks rather than on the public internet. However, you should still evaluate whether your specific devices are reachable from broader network segments, as any path from an untrusted area to the management interface increases the potential risk.

What should I do if I use these Magnum switches?

First, create an inventory of all deployed 6K and 10K units to understand where they sit in your architecture. Prioritize checking the network accessibility of these devices to determine if they are exposed to unauthorized segments. Finally, contact your vendor to obtain official guidance or firmware updates to remove the hardcoded authentication string and secure your management access.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.