Configuring Routers Remotely
Do you know the different ways that you can configure a router? You should if you’re planning on taking the Security+ exam.
For example, can you answer this question?
Q. Edna Krabappel has updated the network in her home and plans to use it to teach concepts within the classroom. She wants to demonstrate how to update the configuration on the routers in her network by sending data from the classroom. Which of the following would she MOST likely use to meet this need?
A. SAML
B. SCAP
C. SDLC
D. SOAP
More, do you know why the correct answer is correct and the incorrect answers are incorrect? The answer and explanation is available at the end of this post.
SNMP and Routers
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) monitors and manages network devices, such as routers or switches. This includes using SNMP to modify the configuration of the devices or have network devices report status back to a central network management system.
SNMP agents installed on devices send information to an SNMP manager via notifications known as traps (sometimes called device traps). The first version of SNMP had vulnerabilities, such as passing passwords across the network in cleartext. SNMPv2 and SNMPv3 are much more secure.
SNMP uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports 161 and 162. SNMP sends traps (error messages and notifications) on UDP port 162.
SNMP is the most common protocol used to configure network devices. However, there are others.
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SOAP and Routers
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) can also be used to configure some routers.
SOAP is a protocol specification commonly used to exchange web services information in an XML format. It typically uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to send and receive information.
As an example, many eCommerce web sites use SOAP to retrieve shipping information for customers. A customer can log onto the eCommerce web site and then go to the page showing shipping status. The web site will send a SOAP message to the shipper and the shipper’s site will return the shipping status in an XML format. The web site then formats the information to display it on the web page.
Recently, routers began supporting SOAP. Routers typically support web-based administration using HTTP. For example, Microsoft systems include a RoutingHandler class that supports Web Services (WS) Routing paths.
Similarly, some Netgear routers support the use of SOAP to configure the routers.
Beware though. If you do some Google searches on “Netgear router SOAP” you’ll find that there are significant vulnerabilities. When SOAP is enabled, attackers can access the administrator password from an Internet location. This allows them to remotely administrate the router from an Internet location. At the time I wrote this blog, I could not locate any fix for this vulnerability.
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Remember this
SNMPv3 is the primary protocol used to configure and monitor devices. It is also possible to use SOAP to remotely administer some routers.
Q. Edna Krabappel has updated the network in her home and plans to use it to teach concepts within the classroom. She wants to demonstrate how to update the configuration on the routers in her network by sending data from the classroom. Which of the following would she MOST likely use to meet this need?
A. SAML
B. SCAP
C. SDLC
D. SOAP
Answer is D. The Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) is the only choice that can be used to remotely configure routers. It is supported by some routers (such as NetGear routers), though it has known vulnerabilities.
Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based standard used to exchange authentication and authorization information between different organizations. SAML provides SSO for web-based applications.
Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) is a set of security specifications for various applications and operating systems. Compliance tools such as vulnerability scanners use these to check systems for compliance.
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a software development process.
