CVE-2003-1264 in Wireless Ethernet Access Point
Summary
by MITRE
TFTP server in Longshine Wireless Access Point (WAP) LCS-883R-AC-B, and in D-Link DI-614+ 2.0 which is based on it, allows remote attackers to obtain the WEP secret and gain administrator privileges by downloading the configuration file (config.img) and other files without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1264 represents a critical security flaw in wireless access point firmware that affects Longshine Wireless Access Point model LCS-883R-AC-B and the D-Link DI-614+ 2.0 device which shares the same underlying firmware. This vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote attackers to access sensitive system configuration data. The flaw exists in the network infrastructure devices that are commonly deployed in enterprise and small office environments, making it particularly dangerous as it targets fundamental network security components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the TFTP server's failure to properly authenticate remote connections before allowing file transfers. When attackers connect to the TFTP service, they can download critical system files including the config.img file without providing any credentials or access controls. This configuration file contains the WEP secret key and administrative credentials, effectively granting full control over the wireless access point to any remote attacker who can reach the device. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on insufficient authentication mechanisms. The attack vector operates entirely over the network without requiring physical access or specialized equipment, making it particularly concerning for network administrators who may not be aware of these devices' exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected wireless access points. Once an attacker obtains the WEP secret, they can decrypt wireless traffic and potentially gain access to the entire network segment. The administrative privileges obtained through this vulnerability allow attackers to modify network configurations, disable security features, and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This represents a significant compromise of network security posture and can lead to data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized network access. The vulnerability affects devices that were commonly deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s, making it particularly concerning for organizations that may still be using legacy equipment without proper security updates. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1566 for credential harvesting through network services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1264 require immediate action from network administrators to address the exposed devices. The primary remediation involves either disabling the TFTP service entirely if it is not required for legitimate operations or implementing strict network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure that firmware updates are applied where available. Network administrators should consider implementing network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to TFTP ports and establish monitoring for suspicious TFTP activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication mechanisms in network infrastructure devices and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of network equipment. Additionally, organizations should transition away from WEP encryption to more secure alternatives such as WPA2 or WPA3, as the WEP secret obtained through this vulnerability would be sufficient to compromise wireless communications. Given the age of these devices and the lack of vendor support for security updates, replacement or network isolation represents the most effective long-term mitigation strategy for this vulnerability.