CVE-2005-1059 in WET11
Summary
by MITRE
Linksys WET11 1.5.4 allows remote attackers to change the password without providing the original password via the data parameter to changepw.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1059 affects the Linksys WET11 1.5.4 wireless Ethernet bridge device, representing a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of network infrastructure equipment. This issue stems from improper validation of password change requests within the web-based management interface, specifically targeting the changepw.html endpoint that handles user credential modifications. The vulnerability exists due to the device's failure to require authentication verification before allowing password modifications, creating a significant security gap that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this flaw resides in the web application layer of the Linksys WET11 device, where the changepw.html script processes password change requests without validating whether the requesting user possesses the original password or appropriate administrative credentials. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly submitting a modified password value through the data parameter of the changepw.html endpoint, bypassing the normal authentication workflow that should require the current password before permitting changes. This design flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation and authentication checks, aligning with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication mechanisms in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to network management functions that could enable further exploitation. An attacker who successfully changes the password gains full administrative control over the wireless Ethernet bridge, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly enables privilege escalation attacks and can serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive network infiltration, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such devices often serve as network gateways.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from Linksys to address the authentication bypass flaw, network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical infrastructure, and mandatory password changes for all impacted systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication mechanisms and input validation in network devices, with implications for the broader industry's approach to embedded system security. Security practitioners should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual password change patterns and establish baseline configurations that minimize attack surface exposure. This issue highlights the critical need for robust security testing of network infrastructure equipment, particularly in the context of web-based management interfaces that often serve as primary attack vectors for network compromise.