In today’s interconnected world, where digital networks serve as the backbone of communication, commerce, and information exchange, the importance of network security cannot be overstated. Networks play a vital role in facilitating seamless connectivity, but they also present a fertile ground for potential security breaches. Understanding the diverse range of network security vulnerabilities is paramount for organizations and individuals to fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats.
In this article, we delve into the intricate landscape of network security vulnerabilities, exploring 50 distinct risks that can compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of network resources. By shedding light on these vulnerabilities, we aim to empower readers with the knowledge needed to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks.
From well-known vulnerabilities like default passwords and phishing attacks to more intricate threats such as DNS tunneling and firmware backdoors, each vulnerability has its own unique characteristics and potential consequences. We provide concise explanations for each vulnerability, demystifying the technical jargon and presenting the information in a human-readable format. Our intention is to bridge the gap between technical intricacies and practical understanding, making network security accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
The vulnerabilities we explore cover a wide spectrum, encompassing software weaknesses, human factors, protocol flaws, and emerging threats. We delve into weaknesses in encryption, web application security, network devices, IoT ecosystems, and even social engineering techniques. By exploring these vulnerabilities comprehensively, we encourage a holistic approach to network security that encompasses technological, procedural, and human-centric aspects.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, as the landscape of network security vulnerabilities is ever-evolving. Nevertheless, by familiarizing ourselves with these vulnerabilities, we can gain a solid foundation for building robust defenses. Through a proactive mindset, vigilant monitoring, and the implementation of best practices, we can mitigate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities and ensure the resilience of our networks.
We invite you to delve into the intricacies of network security vulnerabilities, empowering yourself with the knowledge to strengthen your network defenses. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of security, we can collectively safeguard our networks, protect sensitive information, and preserve the trust that underpins our digital interconnectedness.
Let us embark on this journey together, navigating the diverse realm of network security vulnerabilities, and forging a safer and more secure digital landscape.
Contents
List of network security vulnerabilities
Vulnerability | Explanation |
---|---|
1. Default passwords | Many devices come with default passwords that are widely known. If not changed, they can be easily exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access. |
2. Weak encryption | Inadequate encryption algorithms or weak key lengths can be exploited by attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive data transmitted over the network. |
3. Unpatched software | Failing to apply security patches and updates leaves systems vulnerable to known exploits and vulnerabilities that attackers can easily leverage. |
4. Phishing attacks | Phishing involves tricking users into providing sensitive information through deceptive emails or websites, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access. |
5. Denial of Service (DoS) | Attackers flood a network or system with excessive traffic, overwhelming its resources and causing it to become unavailable to legitimate users. |
6. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) | Attackers intercept and modify communication between two parties, allowing them to eavesdrop, manipulate, or inject malicious content into the traffic. |
7. SQL injection | By exploiting poor input validation, attackers can inject malicious SQL commands into a web application’s database query, potentially gaining unauthorized access. |
8. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) | Vulnerable web applications can inadvertently execute malicious scripts injected by attackers, compromising user sessions or spreading malware. |
9. Buffer overflow | Attacker inputs more data than a program’s buffer can handle, overwriting adjacent memory areas and potentially executing arbitrary code or crashing the system. |
10. Remote Code Execution (RCE) | Vulnerabilities that allow execution of code from a remote source can enable attackers to run arbitrary commands, gaining unauthorized control of the system. |
11. Brute-force attacks | Attackers systematically attempt different passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is found, often exploiting weak or easily guessable credentials. |
12. DNS spoofing | Attackers manipulate the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect users to malicious websites or intercept their communication with legitimate ones. |
13. Wireless security vulnerabilities | Weak encryption, misconfigured access points, or unauthorized access to Wi-Fi networks can allow attackers to eavesdrop on network traffic or gain access to sensitive information. |
14. Social engineering | Attackers exploit human psychology to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise network security. |
15. Insider threats | Employees or trusted individuals with authorized access can intentionally or inadvertently abuse their privileges, compromising network security from within. |
16. Password reuse | If users reuse passwords across multiple accounts, a breach of one account can lead to unauthorized access to other accounts, potentially compromising the entire network. |
17. Unsecured IoT devices | Internet of Things (IoT) devices with weak security controls can be compromised, allowing attackers to gain access to the network or launch attacks against other devices. |
18. Lack of network segmentation | Failure to segment network resources can allow attackers to move laterally within the network, potentially compromising multiple systems or sensitive data. |
19. Lack of intrusion detection/prevention | Without effective intrusion detection or prevention systems, it becomes difficult to identify and respond to unauthorized activities or potential attacks. |
20. Unencrypted backups | Storing sensitive data without encryption leaves it vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access if physical backups are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized individuals. |
21. Weak or default SSL/TLS configurations | Misconfigurations in SSL/TLS settings can weaken encryption, making it easier for attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive data transmitted over secure connections. |
22. Remote administration vulnerabilities | Remote administration tools or services with security weaknesses can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems or execute arbitrary commands. |
23. Vulnerable third-party software | Using outdated or vulnerable third-party software components can introduce security flaws, as attackers often target known vulnerabilities in widely used software. |
24. Lack of network monitoring | Without proper network monitoring, organizations may fail to detect and respond to suspicious or malicious activities in a timely manner, allowing attackers to persist undetected. |
25. Lack of user awareness/training | Insufficient user education about security best practices can lead to poor password hygiene, falling for phishing attempts, or other risky behaviors that compromise network security. |
26. Misconfigured firewall rules | Improperly configured firewalls may inadvertently allow unauthorized access to internal resources or block legitimate traffic, compromising network security and availability. |
27. Insecure remote access | Insecurely configured remote access solutions, such as weak authentication mechanisms or lack of encryption, can provide attackers with unauthorized access to internal networks. |
28. Data leakage | Inadequate data loss prevention measures or accidental exposure of sensitive information can lead to unauthorized disclosure, potentially causing reputational or financial damage. |
29. Lack of strong access controls | Weak or improperly configured access controls allow unauthorized users to gain privileged access to systems or resources, increasing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized changes. |
30. Insufficient network hardening | Failing to implement proper security measures, such as disabling unnecessary services or removing default accounts, leaves systems more vulnerable to exploitation. |
31. Lack of network traffic encryption | Without encrypting network traffic, sensitive data transmitted over the network can be intercepted and read by attackers, compromising its confidentiality. |
32. Web application vulnerabilities | Insecure coding practices or poor input validation in web applications can allow attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, gain unauthorized access, or compromise user data. |
33. Malware infections | Malicious software, such as viruses or ransomware, can infect networked systems, compromising their security and potentially spreading to other connected devices. |
34. Lack of physical security | Insufficient physical security measures can lead to unauthorized access to network equipment, allowing attackers to manipulate or disrupt network operations. |
35. Lack of encryption for sensitive data | Storing sensitive data without encryption exposes it to unauthorized access, potentially resulting in data breaches or theft of confidential information. |
36. Insecure network protocols | Protocols with known security vulnerabilities, such as outdated versions of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access. |
37. Lack of network access controls | Insufficient access controls can allow unauthorized devices or users to connect to the network, potentially compromising its security and integrity. |
38. Lack of network documentation | Incomplete or outdated network documentation can hinder effective security management and incident response, making it harder to identify and address vulnerabilities. |
39. Lack of data backup and recovery | Failing to implement regular data backups and robust recovery mechanisms increases the risk of data loss due to hardware failures, disasters, or ransomware attacks. |
40. Insider misuse of privileges | Employees or trusted individuals with excessive privileges may abuse their access rights to perform unauthorized actions or access sensitive data, potentially compromising network security. |
41. Lack of multi-factor authentication | Relying solely on passwords for authentication increases the risk of unauthorized access. Implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. |
42. Lack of network segmentation | Failing to segment the network can enable attackers to move freely within the infrastructure, compromising multiple systems or sensitive data. |
43. Insecure remote file sharing | Insecurely configured file-sharing protocols or services can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access or manipulation by attackers. |
44. Lack of network redundancy | Insufficient redundancy in network infrastructure can lead to single points of failure, causing network downtime or making it easier for attackers to disrupt network operations. |
45. Lack of network traffic analysis | Without analyzing network traffic, organizations may fail to detect suspicious activities or identify patterns indicative of ongoing attacks. |
46. Lack of network access monitoring | Failing to monitor network access and log activities makes it challenging to identify unauthorized access or suspicious behavior in a timely manner. |
47. Lack of vendor support/updates | Using unsupported or end-of-life software, hardware, or firmware increases the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities and leaves systems exposed to potential attacks. |
48. Lack of network security policies | Without well-defined and enforced security policies, users may engage in risky behaviors or overlook essential security practices, compromising overall network security. |
49. Lack of network segmentation | Failure to segment the network allows attackers to move laterally and escalate privileges, potentially compromising critical systems or sensitive data. |
50. Lack of incident response plan | Without a well-defined incident response plan, organizations may struggle to effectively respond to security incidents, leading to prolonged network compromises or data breaches. |
51. Zero-day exploits | Attackers exploit vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor, making it challenging to defend against until a patch or mitigation is available. |
52. Malicious insiders | Insiders with malicious intent can abuse their privileges to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or provide unauthorized access to external attackers. |
53. Data interception | Attackers capture and analyze network traffic to intercept sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information, for malicious purposes. |
54. SSL certificate vulnerabilities | Weak or compromised SSL certificates can enable attackers to impersonate legitimate websites, leading to phishing attacks or unauthorized data disclosure. |
55. Remote file inclusion (RFI) | Attackers exploit web application vulnerabilities to include and execute malicious files from remote servers, potentially compromising the entire system. |
56. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) | Attackers use a network of compromised devices to launch a coordinated DDoS attack, overwhelming network resources and making services inaccessible. |
57. Voice over IP (VoIP) vulnerabilities | Weaknesses in VoIP protocols or devices can be exploited to intercept or manipulate voice communications, compromising the confidentiality of conversations. |
58. Password cracking | Attackers use sophisticated tools and techniques to crack weak or poorly protected passwords, gaining unauthorized access to systems or user accounts. |
59. Endpoint vulnerabilities | Vulnerabilities in endpoints, such as laptops or mobile devices, can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to networks or compromise sensitive data. |
60. Insecure network protocols | Outdated or insecure network protocols, such as Telnet or FTP, lack encryption and authentication, making them susceptible to unauthorized access or data interception. |
61. Web application firewall bypass | Attackers find and exploit vulnerabilities in web application firewalls (WAFs) to bypass their protection mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to web applications. |
62. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) | Attackers trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions on web applications by injecting malicious requests, potentially compromising their accounts. |
63. Insecure network configuration | Poorly configured network devices or services can expose unnecessary services or provide avenues for attackers to exploit, compromising the overall network security. |
64. Physical device tampering | Attackers gain physical access to network devices and tamper with them, potentially inserting malicious code or intercepting network traffic. |
65. Insecure remote desktop protocol | Misconfigured or weakly protected remote desktop protocol (RDP) can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems or launch brute-force attacks. |
66. API vulnerabilities | Weaknesses in application programming interfaces (APIs) can allow attackers to bypass authentication, inject malicious code, or access unauthorized data. |
67. DNS tunneling | Attackers bypass network security controls by encapsulating unauthorized data within DNS requests, allowing them to exfiltrate data or bypass restrictions. |
68. Insecure wireless protocols | Weak encryption or vulnerabilities in wireless protocols like WEP or WPA can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks or decrypt traffic. |
69. USB-based attacks | Attackers use USB devices or USB ports to introduce malware, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to systems through auto-run or social engineering techniques. |
70. IoT device vulnerabilities | Insecure or unpatched Internet of Things (IoT) devices can provide entry points for attackers to gain access to networks or launch attacks against other devices. |
71. Insufficient data sanitization | Failing to properly sanitize user input can lead to code injection or manipulation, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands or compromise the system. |
72. Malware command-and-control (C2) | Attackers use malware to establish communication channels with compromised systems, allowing them to control and coordinate malicious activities. |
73. Wi-Fi password cracking | Attackers use specialized tools and techniques to crack Wi-Fi passwords, gaining unauthorized access to wireless networks and compromising connected devices. |
74. Social media threats | Attackers exploit information shared on social media platforms to perform social engineering attacks, impersonate users, or gain unauthorized access to accounts. |
75. Router vulnerabilities | Weaknesses in router firmware or misconfigurations can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, redirect traffic, or launch man-in-the-middle attacks. |
76. Insecure SSL/TLS certificate management | Poor management of SSL/TLS certificates, such as expired or improperly configured certificates, can lead to security vulnerabilities and trust issues. |
77. Password sniffing | Attackers capture network traffic to intercept and extract passwords sent in plaintext or weakly encrypted formats, compromising user accounts or systems. |
78. Network eavesdropping | Attackers monitor and capture network traffic to gather sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or confidential data, for malicious purposes. |
79. Unauthorized access points | Rogue access points set up by attackers can mimic legitimate Wi-Fi networks, tricking users into connecting and providing their credentials or sensitive information. |
80. Data tampering | Attackers modify or manipulate network data packets during transmission, potentially altering the integrity or reliability of the information being transmitted. |
81. Remote code inclusion | Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to include and execute malicious code from remote servers, enabling unauthorized access or data manipulation. |
82. Insider abuse of network resources | Insiders with authorized access misuse network resources for personal gain, compromising network performance, confidentiality, or availability. |
83. Insecure server configurations | Misconfigured servers can expose sensitive information, grant unauthorized access, or allow attackers to launch attacks against the server or other network resources. |
84. Lack of network traffic segmentation | Failing to segment network traffic can enable attackers to move laterally, compromising multiple systems or gaining unauthorized access to critical resources. |
85. Lack of network visibility | Insufficient network monitoring and visibility make it difficult to detect and respond to security incidents or anomalous activities in a timely manner. |
86. DNS hijacking | Attackers manipulate DNS settings to redirect users to malicious websites, intercept their traffic, or perform phishing attacks to collect sensitive information. |
87. Insecure file transfer protocols | Weaknesses in file transfer protocols like FTP or TFTP can expose credentials or allow unauthorized access to sensitive data during file transfer operations. |
88. Lack of data encryption at rest | Storing sensitive data without encryption on disk or in databases leaves it vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access if physical or digital storage is compromised. |
89. Network device misconfiguration | Misconfiguring network devices, such as firewalls or routers, can introduce vulnerabilities or weaken security controls, potentially compromising the entire network. |
90. IoT botnets | Compromised IoT devices can be recruited into botnets, used for launching DDoS attacks, mining cryptocurrencies, or participating in other malicious activities. |
91. Lack of network traffic analysis tools | Without proper analysis tools, organizations may fail to identify network anomalies, intrusions, or signs of compromise, allowing attacks to go unnoticed. |
92. Backup data theft or destruction | Attackers target and compromise backups, either to steal sensitive data or to render backups useless, making recovery from an incident more challenging or impossible. |
93. Insufficient network access logging | Lack of comprehensive logging of network access activities hinders forensic investigations, incident response, or the detection of unauthorized access or activities. |
94. Insecure virtual private networks (VPNs) | Weak encryption, misconfigurations, or vulnerabilities in VPN implementations can expose network traffic or allow unauthorized access to connected networks. |
95. Lack of network traffic anomaly detection | Without systems to detect anomalous network behavior, organizations may miss signs of malicious activities, such as intrusion attempts or data exfiltration. |
96. Lack of network segmentation awareness | Inadequate understanding of network segmentation can result in misconfigurations or gaps, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and access sensitive areas. |
97. Vulnerable firmware or embedded systems | Outdated or unpatched firmware or embedded systems in network devices may contain known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access. |
98. Cloud service misconfigurations | Misconfigurations in cloud services or platforms can expose sensitive data, grant excessive permissions, or allow unauthorized access to cloud resources. |
99. Lack of network access control enforcement | Failing to enforce access control measures properly enables unauthorized users to gain entry to network resources, compromising security and confidentiality. |
100. Lack of network security awareness training | Insufficient training and awareness about network security practices can lead to employees inadvertently engaging in activities that expose the network to vulnerabilities or attacks. |
100. Insecure containerization | Weak or misconfigured containerization platforms can lead to container escapes, allowing attackers to compromise the host system or access other containers. |
101. Lack of network access control lists | Insufficient use of network access control lists (ACLs) can result in unauthorized access to network resources or the exposure of sensitive information. |
102. Network device firmware tampering | Attackers tamper with network device firmware to inject malicious code, manipulate configurations, or gain persistent unauthorized access to the network. |
103. Virtual LAN (VLAN) hopping | Attackers exploit misconfigurations or weaknesses in VLAN implementations to bypass network segmentation, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive areas. |
104. Network traffic amplification | Attackers use vulnerable network protocols, such as DNS or NTP, to amplify the volume of traffic directed at a target, causing network congestion or DoS conditions. |
105. Insecure or outdated cryptographic algorithms | Using weak or deprecated cryptographic algorithms makes encrypted network traffic vulnerable to decryption or unauthorized access by skilled attackers. |
106. Network device backdoors | Hidden or intentional backdoors in network devices can provide unauthorized access to attackers, compromising network integrity or exposing sensitive information. |
107. Unauthorized wireless access | Attackers gain unauthorized access to wireless networks by bypassing authentication mechanisms, exploiting weak encryption, or cracking wireless security protocols. |
108. Network sniffing | Attackers capture and analyze network traffic using specialized tools or devices to extract sensitive information, such as passwords or confidential data. |
109. Insecure remote access protocols | Weak or misconfigured remote access protocols, such as RDP or SSH, can provide attackers with unauthorized access to network resources or compromise sensitive information. |
110. Cross-Site Forgery (CSRF) | Attackers trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions on web applications by exploiting the trust between the user’s browser and the application. |
111. Network reconnaissance | Attackers gather information about a target network, such as IP addresses, open ports, or network topology, to plan and launch targeted attacks more effectively. |
112. Lack of network segmentation awareness | Insufficient understanding of network segmentation principles can result in misconfigurations, enabling attackers to move laterally and compromise critical systems. |
113. IPv6 security vulnerabilities | Weaknesses or misconfigurations in IPv6 implementations can allow attackers to bypass security controls, launch DoS attacks, or gain unauthorized network access. |
114. Insecure firewall configurations | Misconfigurations in firewall rules or policies can result in unauthorized access to network resources or create gaps in network security, exposing critical systems to attack. |
115. Network traffic redirection | Attackers manipulate network routing to redirect traffic through unauthorized paths, allowing them to intercept, modify, or eavesdrop on sensitive information. |
116. Insecure remote administration | Weakly protected remote administration interfaces, such as outdated protocols or default credentials, provide attackers with unauthorized access to network devices or systems. |
117. Network device supply chain vulnerabilities | Compromised or tampered network devices introduced during the supply chain process can contain backdoors, malicious firmware, or compromised components, compromising network security. |
118. Unauthorized VPN access | Attackers gain unauthorized access to VPN connections by exploiting vulnerabilities in VPN clients, weak authentication, or compromised user credentials. |
119. Rogue access point deployment | Attackers set up unauthorized access points to mimic legitimate networks, tricking users into connecting and exposing their network credentials or sensitive information. |
120. Voice over IP (VoIP) toll fraud | Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in VoIP systems to make unauthorized long-distance calls or redirect legitimate call traffic to premium rate numbers, resulting in financial loss. |
121. Insufficient network traffic encryption | Failing to encrypt sensitive network traffic leaves it vulnerable to interception, allowing attackers to access confidential information or perform unauthorized activities. |
122. Network device password disclosure | Unintentional disclosure of network device passwords through misconfigured services, log files, or source code can provide attackers with unauthorized access to network infrastructure. |
123. Lack of network security awareness training | Insufficient training and education on network security practices can lead to employees unknowingly engaging in activities that compromise network security or expose sensitive information. |
124. Network infrastructure misconfiguration | Misconfigurations in network devices, such as switches, routers, or firewalls, can introduce vulnerabilities or weaken security controls, compromising the overall network security posture. |
125. Insecure network protocol implementation | Weaknesses or vulnerabilities in network protocols, such as TCP/IP, ICMP, or BGP, can be exploited by attackers to manipulate traffic, perform DoS attacks, or gain unauthorized access. |
126. Lack of network traffic segmentation | Failing to implement proper network segmentation enables attackers to move laterally, compromising multiple systems or gaining unauthorized access to critical network resources. |
127. Insecure remote management interfaces | Weakly protected remote management interfaces, such as HTTP, SNMP, or Telnet, can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to network devices or perform malicious actions. |
128. Network data leakage | Unintentional or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data through insecure network channels, misconfigurations, or inadequate access controls compromises data confidentiality. |
129. Insecure backup storage | Storing network backups in insecure locations or using weak encryption leaves them susceptible to theft or unauthorized access, potentially exposing sensitive data. |
130. Lack of network change management | Failing to implement proper change management processes for network infrastructure can result in misconfigurations, unauthorized changes, or vulnerabilities being introduced. |
131. Insecure network traffic analysis | Weaknesses or misconfigurations in network traffic analysis tools can allow attackers to evade detection, manipulate logs, or exploit vulnerabilities in the analysis process. |
132. Insecure network asset management | Inadequate tracking or management of network assets increases the risk of unauthorized devices connecting to the network, introducing vulnerabilities or compromising network security. |
133. Lack of network documentation | Insufficient or outdated documentation of network configurations, diagrams, or procedures hampers troubleshooting, security management, and incident response efforts. |
134. DNS tunneling | Attackers bypass network security controls by encapsulating unauthorized data within DNS requests, allowing them to exfiltrate data or establish covert communication channels. |
135. Insider sabotage | Insiders with authorized access to network resources intentionally disrupt network operations, delete critical data, or cause other forms of sabotage, compromising network availability. |
136. Insecure network backup processes | Weaknesses or misconfigurations in network backup processes, such as unencrypted transmission or lack of redundancy, increase the risk of data loss or unauthorized access. |
137. Wireless network signal jamming | Attackers interfere with wireless signals by transmitting deliberate noise or overwhelming frequencies, disrupting network connectivity and causing service unavailability. |
138. Unauthorized network device modification | Attackers physically or remotely modify network devices to manipulate configurations, install backdoors, or redirect network traffic for malicious purposes. |
139. Insecure network monitoring solutions | Vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in network monitoring solutions can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, tamper with monitoring data, or evade detection. |
140. Lack of network security incident response plan | Without a well-defined incident response plan, organizations may struggle to effectively respond to network security incidents, prolonging their impact and compromising network integrity. |
141. Insider theft of sensitive data | Insiders with authorized access to sensitive data may steal or exfiltrate it for personal gain or malicious purposes, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the network. |
142. Insecure network protocol testing | Inadequate or insecure testing of network protocols or services can lead to the introduction of vulnerabilities or weak configurations, leaving the network susceptible to attacks. |
143. Lack of network behavior analytics | Without network behavior analytics tools, organizations may fail to detect abnormal or suspicious network activities indicative of an ongoing attack, allowing threats to go undetected. |
144. Insecure network device disposal | Improper disposal of network devices without proper data sanitization or destruction can lead to the exposure of sensitive information or unauthorized access to the network. |
145. Lack of network redundancy | Insufficient redundancy in network infrastructure increases the risk of single points of failure, resulting in network downtime or susceptibility to attacks and disruptions. |
146. Misuse of network monitoring privileges | Insiders with elevated network monitoring privileges may abuse their access rights to gather sensitive information, invade privacy, or compromise network security for personal gain. |
147. Insecure network device configuration backups | Storing network device configuration backups in unsecured locations or without proper encryption makes them vulnerable to unauthorized access or tampering by attackers. |
148. Network traffic shaping abuse | Attackers abuse network traffic shaping mechanisms to manipulate bandwidth allocation, leading to service degradation, DoS conditions, or disruption of network operations. |
149. Lack of network asset inventory | Incomplete or outdated inventory of network assets hampers effective network management, vulnerability assessments, or the identification of unauthorized devices or configurations. |
150. Insecure remote firmware updates | Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the remote firmware update process of network devices to inject malicious code, compromise the device, or gain unauthorized access to the network. |