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    Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
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    • RicoR
      Rico LAYER 8 Rebel Alliance
      last edited by

      Don't feed the troll.

      -Rico

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
      • JKnottJ
        JKnott @TheHowTo
        last edited by

        @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

        That is why I let an official Netgate spokesperson's answer my question.

        As a long time user of firewalls, including pfsense, I have never heard of such a thing. Firewalls should block any such attempt to gain root access or they're not doing their job. For example, I do not have any such access enabled on pfSense, I have to use a VPN to get in. What access control are you supposed to use? Do you given them passwords? SSH keys? If not, your firewall is wide open to anyone. With cable modems, as I have here, the ISP does have access to it, but nothing beyond. If you put an ordinary computer there, do they get root access to it too?

        PfSense running on Qotom mini PC
        i5 CPU, 4 GB memory, 32 GB SSD & 4 Intel Gb Ethernet ports.
        UniFi AC-Lite access point

        I haven't lost my mind. It's around here...somewhere...

        TheHowToT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • TheHowToT
          TheHowTo @JKnott
          last edited by

          @JKnott said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

          As a long time user of firewalls, including pfsense, I have never heard of such a thing. Firewalls should block any such attempt to gain root access or they're not doing their job. For example, I do not have any such access enabled on pfSense, I have to use a VPN to get in. What access control are you supposed to use? Do you given them passwords? SSH keys? If not, your firewall is wide open to anyone. With cable modems, as I have here, the ISP does have access to it, but nothing beyond. If you put an ordinary computer there, do they get root access to it too?

          I have a long and strong PfSense password (upper/lowercase, numbers, symbols). My PfSense configuration is stealth.
          But messages “login: login on ttyv0 as root” keep appearing in my log, while I have enable password protect the console menu.
          Does this means my PfSense has been compromised because an unauthorized person logged into my PfSense console?

          The answer of my question is very simple, yes or no?

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • johnpozJ
            johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator
            last edited by

            @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

            login on ttyv0 as root

            https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/monitoring/troubleshooting-login-on-console-as-root-log-messages.html

            An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
            If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
            Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
            SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.8, 24.11

            TheHowToT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • TheHowToT
              TheHowTo @johnpoz
              last edited by

              @johnpoz said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

              https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/monitoring/troubleshooting-login-on-console-as-root-log-messages.html

              Thanks for the link to the document.
              As stated in the document, if console logins are already enabled, then this means someone logged into the console.

              Let give Netgate the benefit of doubt. But I still do hope that Netgate spokesperson's will answer my main question.

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              • stephenw10S
                stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
                last edited by

                Of course not!

                As already stated you can change the root password anyway, and I assume you have done.

                I also assume you have not opened anything on your WAN anyone could login from?

                And the physical console is not publicly accessible?

                Let's see your logs so we check what's happening.

                Steve

                TheHowToT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • TheHowToT
                  TheHowTo @stephenw10
                  last edited by

                  @stephenw10 said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                  Of course not!

                  As already stated you can change the root password anyway, and I assume you have done.

                  I also assume you have not opened anything on your WAN anyone could login from?

                  And the physical console is not publicly accessible?

                  Let's see your logs so we check what's happening.

                  Steve

                  Because of those messages I have changed PfSense root password and reset PfSense many times, but somehow they always manage to open a superuser’s backdoor and bypass the password protection. After that they changed my PfSense settings (e.g. disabling some firewall rules, changing DNS, DHCP and so on).
                  My wan firewall rule is set to default (empty), Lan is not accessible from Opt and Opt ports are for devices to connect to internet (only 80, 443). All IPv6 are disabled and I use pfBlockerNG and Snort.

                  For security reasons, I cannot post my logs here. ISP hires an irresponsible outsourcing IT company that opens the door to hackers to carry out attacks. And you can find those hackers in this forum too. Usually they aim for administrators or moderators functions. Their common traits and characteristics are bullying, intimidation, harassment, lying and belittling people (calling people delusional). Right mr. Peeters? 😉

                  NogBadTheBadN A 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • NogBadTheBadN
                    NogBadTheBad @TheHowTo
                    last edited by NogBadTheBad

                    @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                    @stephenw10 said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                    Of course not!

                    As already stated you can change the root password anyway, and I assume you have done.

                    I also assume you have not opened anything on your WAN anyone could login from?

                    And the physical console is not publicly accessible?

                    Let's see your logs so we check what's happening.

                    Steve

                    Because of those messages I have changed PfSense root password and reset PfSense many times, but somehow they always manage to open a superuser’s backdoor and bypass the password protection. After that they changed my PfSense settings (e.g. disabling some firewall rules, changing DNS, DHCP and so on).
                    My wan firewall rule is set to default (empty), Lan is not accessible from Opt and Opt ports are for devices to connect to internet (only 80, 443). All IPv6 are disabled and I use pfBlockerNG and Snort.

                    For security reasons, I cannot post my logs here. ISP hires an irresponsible outsourcing IT company that opens the door to hackers to carry out attacks. And you can find those hackers in this forum too. Usually they aim for administrators or moderators functions. Their common traits and characteristics are bullying, intimidation, harassment, lying and belittling people (calling people delusional). Right mr. Peeters? 😉

                    Crap or get off the pot 😏 post the logs and change the IP addresses if you are that worried.

                    Andy

                    1 x Netgate SG-4860 - 3 x Linksys LGS308P - 1 x Aruba InstantOn AP22

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • stephenw10S
                      stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
                      last edited by

                      So the logs you are seeing are like, for example?:

                      Aug 16 12:14:22 	syslogd 		kernel boot file is /boot/kernel/kernel
                      Aug 16 12:14:22 	kernel 		done.
                      Aug 16 12:14:23 	php-fpm 	343 	/rc.start_packages: Restarting/Starting all packages.
                      Aug 16 12:14:24 	login 		login on ttyv0 as root
                      Aug 16 12:15:34 	check_reload_status 		rc.newwanip starting igb0
                      Aug 16 12:15:35 	php-fpm 	343 	/rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Info: starting on igb0. 
                      

                      That is expected and not an indication some bad actor is connected to your firewall as that link shows.

                      Steve

                      TheHowToT 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • johnpozJ
                        johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator
                        last edited by johnpoz

                        I don't know - if your first thought after seeing some log entries you don't understand is that what is pretty much the most well known and used opensource firewall distro on the planet is that they have colluded with the man to allow back doors into their project.. And for that matter if doing such a thing, too stupid or lazy to even not log said entries..

                        Hmmmm,

                        I think maybe its time to lay off the paranoia inducing recreational drugs ;)

                        But maybe that's just me ;) hehehehe

                        I also don't think they faked the moon landing... Or believe that our Reptilian overlords pull the strings, etc. So maybe not really the best one to ask ;)

                        An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
                        If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
                        Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
                        SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.8, 24.11

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                        • A
                          akuma1x @TheHowTo
                          last edited by akuma1x

                          @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                          After that they changed my PfSense settings (e.g. disabling some firewall rules, changing DNS, DHCP and so on).

                          Well that's complete nonsense, and doesn't happen with a NORMAL install of pfsense. And when I say normal, I mean, you didn't turn off the top 2 deny rules for the WAN interface:

                          • Block private networks
                          • Block bogon networks

                          Show us a screenshot of your WAN rules, and mask out any sensitive information.

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • jimpJ
                            jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate
                            last edited by

                            ttyv0 is the physical video console. Nobody can login to that remotely. It can only be accessed via keyboard and monitor. Similarly, ttyu0 is a serial (uart) console and cannot be logged into remotely, only via local serial connection.

                            Seeing a login on ttyv0 just means the menu redrew itself. If you see it a lot, something is probably corrupted on your filesystem leading to a problem with the tty itself.

                            Nobody has shared root access with your ISP or anyone else. There are no backdoors.

                            Remember: Upvote with the 👍 button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

                            Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

                            Do not Chat/PM for help!

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                            • TheHowToT
                              TheHowTo @stephenw10
                              last edited by

                              @stephenw10 said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                              So the logs you are seeing are like, for example?:

                              Aug 16 12:14:22 	syslogd 		kernel boot file is /boot/kernel/kernel
                              Aug 16 12:14:22 	kernel 		done.
                              Aug 16 12:14:23 	php-fpm 	343 	/rc.start_packages: Restarting/Starting all packages.
                              Aug 16 12:14:24 	login 		login on ttyv0 as root
                              Aug 16 12:15:34 	check_reload_status 		rc.newwanip starting igb0
                              Aug 16 12:15:35 	php-fpm 	343 	/rc.newwanip: rc.newwanip: Info: starting on igb0. 
                              

                              That is expected and not an indication some bad actor is connected to your firewall as that link shows.

                              Steve

                              Thanks Steve, but that is not what I see. Your log indicated services restarting because wan dhcp lease renewal process.
                              Ok, let just say there are no bad actors.

                              Would you please explain to me the Unexplained Phenomena, like why I see my floating firewall rules being changed, some were edited and some deleted (e.g. AmazonAWS IP Range) with log messages: "Syncing firewall, Reloading filter"?

                              johnpozJ jimpJ 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • GertjanG
                                Gertjan
                                last edited by

                                When logging in to the GUI, you'll see this :
                                9aa20756-cf17-4627-9539-3c63e9d67da5-image.png

                                Logging in using a ssh client :

                                3d0c4934-56ed-4634-8b89-6a8df534f7e9-image.png

                                The IP's "192.168.1.120" and "2001:470:1f13:5c0:2::84" are both the ones from my LAN network.
                                Let's say : it's an inside job. It's me using a device on my LAN.

                                Btw : great : your ISP is helping you administrating your pfSense ?!!
                                What are your WAN firewall rules ? Or did you install a KVM module for them so they can remotely using a keyboard / VGA ? ( @jimp : people often omit to mention the most incredible details about their installation ) They have a OpenVPN access for remote administration ?

                                For me, it just an inside job. Or the (one of) the other you(s).

                                No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
                                Edit : and where are the logs ??

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                                • johnpozJ
                                  johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator @TheHowTo
                                  last edited by

                                  @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                                  I see my floating firewall rules being changed, some were edited and some deleted

                                  And what does your config history show.. example

                                  log.png

                                  An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
                                  If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
                                  Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
                                  SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.8, 24.11

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                                  • jimpJ
                                    jimp Rebel Alliance Developer Netgate @TheHowTo
                                    last edited by

                                    @TheHowTo said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                                    Would you please explain to me the Unexplained Phenomena, like why I see my floating firewall rules being changed, some were edited and some deleted (e.g. AmazonAWS IP Range) with log messages: "Syncing firewall, Reloading filter"?

                                    Maybe you have something like pfBlockerNG which is automatically managing your rules? It does exactly those kinds of things.

                                    Remember: Upvote with the 👍 button for any user/post you find to be helpful, informative, or deserving of recognition!

                                    Need help fast? Netgate Global Support!

                                    Do not Chat/PM for help!

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                                    • johnpozJ
                                      johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator
                                      last edited by

                                      I was thinking the same thing... While pfblocker is a great package, I am not a fan of anything that auto manipulates rules.. I use it really as just fancy aliases management - I have it create the aliases, and then I use those in my rules as I want.

                                      But I would have to assume any changes to rules would be listed in the configuration history, but since I don't have pfblocker manipulating my rules, not sure how that would look in the log?

                                      An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
                                      If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
                                      Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
                                      SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.8, 24.11

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                                      • TheHowToT
                                        TheHowTo
                                        last edited by

                                        What I know and experienced, pfBlockerNG only prioritizes their rules in floating rules order, but it never deleted any custom rules.

                                        If you do not believe me, try to install pfBlockerNG, make custom rules to block AmazonAWS (hackers virtual machines) and then do a cron update.
                                        Here is AmazonAWS’s IP range: AWS IP address ranges

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                                        • johnpozJ
                                          johnpoz LAYER 8 Global Moderator
                                          last edited by

                                          And did you bother to look in your config history... Anything that changes the config should be listed there..

                                          An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools
                                          If you get confused: Listen to the Music Play
                                          Please don't Chat/PM me for help, unless mod related
                                          SG-4860 24.11 | Lab VMs 2.8, 24.11

                                          TheHowToT 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • TheHowToT
                                            TheHowTo @johnpoz
                                            last edited by

                                            @johnpoz said in Netgate shared root with ISP? ¯\_(❞⦈)_/¯:

                                            And did you bother to look in your config history... Anything that changes the config should be listed there..

                                            Config history says "Edited a firewall alias, made unkown change" However I did not login to SSH or GUI at that specific time.

                                            It does not matter anymore because even after factory reset, everytime the hackers knew how to bypass the password protection.
                                            I still give Netgate the benefit of doubt. Maybe there are some bugs or loopholes (e.g. superuser's backdoor) in PfSense version 2.4.5-p1.

                                            I really wish that I can hardening PfSense with Firejail and Apparmor.

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