MikroTik RouterOS Detection Scanner

MikroTik RouterOS is a versatile router operating system utilized by small to medium-sized businesses and networking enthusiasts globally. It is designed for managing network routing, firewall configurations, VPNs, and bandwidth management with robust performance and efficiency. The software is commonly deployed in wireless and broadband service providers' infrastructure due to its affordability and reliability. Network administrators rely on RouterOS to optimize their network's performance, ensuring secure and smooth operations. Furthermore, its wide range of features makes it suitable for both wired and wireless network environments. MikroTik RouterOS is continually updated to adapt to evolving networking needs and standards.

This scanner identifies the presence of MikroTik RouterOS, focusing on its SSH service which is a means of securely accessing the system. The scanner in this context refers to the ability to detect the presence of MikroTik RouterOS based on its SSH banner. While this detection does not immediately imply a security breach, it does highlight the accessibility of the router's SSH service, which could be leveraged in further reconnaissance activities by malicious actors. Understanding the presence of such services assists in network inventory audits and helps in securing exposed services. The goal is to use this detection as a proactive measure to ensure SSH configurations are correctly implemented.

The detection is performed by analyzing the SSH-2.0-ROSSSH banner exposed by MikroTik RouterOS. This specific signature can be identified in network traffic, notably on port 22 used for SSH communications. The scanner employs regular expressions to match the SSH banner against known patterns associated with MikroTik RouterOS. This method, while robust, assumes that the banner is not altered or obscured. Security settings that obfuscate or modify the SSH banner can impact the effectiveness of this detection. The scanner thus provides a practical approach to confirming the use of MikroTik RouterOS in a networked environment.

When a system's SSH service is detectable, it may inform attackers about potential target systems within a network. A visible SSH service can be an entry point for targeted attacks if not adequately secured. Exploiting detectable SSH services might lead to unauthorized access, information leakage, or serve as a pivot for other, more destructive forms of cyber warfare. Properly securing such services limits visibility to only necessary points, therefore reducing the attack surface. Network administrators should consider reconfiguring SSH service settings to not only secure access but to also reduce information disclosure.

REFERENCES

• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/08/01/2
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2018/08/15/5
• http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/Jul/51
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-6210
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-15473