CVE-2006-3344 in Speedstream Wireless Router
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens Speedstream Wireless Router 2624 allows local users to bypass authentication and access protected files by using the Universal Plug and Play UPnP/1.0 component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The Siemens Speedstream Wireless Router 2624 represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2006-3344, where local attackers can exploit a design flaw in the router's Universal Plug and Play UPnP/1.0 implementation to bypass authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability exists within the router's firmware that fails to properly validate access requests through the UPnP protocol, creating an unauthorized entry point that undermines the device's security architecture. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and access control enforcement within the UPnP component, allowing malicious actors with local network access to manipulate the router's configuration and gain access to protected administrative resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the UPnP/1.0 protocol implementation which lacks proper authentication checks for incoming requests. When local users send crafted UPnP requests to the router, they can bypass the normal authentication procedures that would typically require valid credentials before accessing sensitive configuration files or administrative functions. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization control where the UPnP service operates with elevated privileges without proper verification of the requester's identity or permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, specifically targeting the router's ability to enforce proper authentication boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially modify router configurations, access network settings, and compromise the entire network infrastructure. Local network users who can interact with the UPnP service can escalate their privileges and gain administrative control over the device, which could lead to complete network compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home networks where the router serves as a critical gateway component, allowing attackers to establish persistent access points or redirect network traffic. The security implications are compounded by the fact that UPnP is often enabled by default on many network devices, making this attack vector readily available without additional network reconnaissance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3344 should focus on disabling the UPnP service entirely on affected routers, as this represents the most effective immediate solution to prevent exploitation. Network administrators should also implement strict firewall rules to restrict UPnP traffic to trusted sources only, though this approach remains less effective than complete service disablement. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of principle of least privilege in network device security where services should only be enabled when absolutely necessary. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify all network devices that may expose UPnP services and ensure proper access controls are implemented. This vulnerability also highlights the need for proper firmware updates and security patches, as the issue was resolved in later firmware versions that properly enforced authentication requirements within the UPnP implementation. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where attackers leverage legitimate network services to bypass security controls and maintain persistent access to target networks.