CVE-2002-1810 in DWL-900AP+
Summary
by MITRE
D-Link DWL-900AP+ Access Point 2.1 and 2.2 allows remote attackers to access the TFTP server without authentication and read the config.img file, which contains sensitive information such as the administrative password, the WEP encryption keys, and network configuration information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1810 affects D-Link DWL-900AP+ wireless access points running firmware versions 2.1 and 2.2, representing a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-22, where the device fails to properly authenticate users attempting to access sensitive configuration files through the TFTP service. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the device's network services, allowing unauthorized remote actors to exploit the TFTP server without requiring any form of authentication credentials. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of network device management and exposes critical system information to malicious actors who can leverage this access for further attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) service running on the access point, which provides a mechanism for transferring files between network devices. In the affected D-Link models, this service operates without proper authentication mechanisms, enabling any remote attacker to connect and retrieve the config.img file. The config.img file contains highly sensitive information including administrative passwords, WEP encryption keys, and complete network configuration parameters. This exposure creates a significant risk for network administrators as it allows attackers to gain complete control over the wireless access point and potentially the entire wireless network it serves. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because TFTP is designed for simple file transfers and typically lacks robust security features, making it an attractive target for exploitation when improperly configured.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1810 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of a single access point, creating cascading security risks throughout the affected network infrastructure. Network administrators who discover this vulnerability face the challenging task of identifying all affected devices and implementing immediate remediation measures to prevent unauthorized access to their wireless networks. The exposure of administrative passwords enables attackers to modify access point configurations, potentially creating backdoors or disabling security features. WEP encryption keys, when compromised, allow attackers to decrypt wireless traffic and monitor all communications passing through the affected access point. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 sub-technique for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can leverage the exposed configuration to gain deeper network access and potentially escalate privileges. The presence of such sensitive information in a single configuration file demonstrates the critical importance of proper security hardening practices for network infrastructure devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from network administrators to address both the immediate exposure and implement long-term security improvements. The primary remediation involves upgrading the firmware to versions that properly authenticate TFTP access requests and implement appropriate access controls for configuration file retrieval. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TFTP services, limiting access to authorized network management systems only. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling TFTP services entirely if they are not required for legitimate network operations, as this reduces the attack surface significantly. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and firmware updates, as well as the need for proper network device configuration management. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish procedures for rapid response to similar security incidents. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security practices in network infrastructure devices, particularly those that handle sensitive configuration data and authentication credentials.