CVE-2007-2649 in Speedport W 700v
Summary
by MITRE
Deutsche Telekom (T-com) Speedport W 700v uses JavaScript delays for invalid authentication attempts to the CGI script, which allows remote attackers to bypass the delays and conduct brute-force attacks via direct calls to the authentication CGI script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2649 affects the Deutsche Telekom T-com Speedport W 700v wireless router model, representing a critical security flaw in the device's authentication mechanism. This issue stems from the implementation of JavaScript-based rate limiting controls within the router's web-based configuration interface, specifically targeting the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) script responsible for handling user authentication requests. The router's design incorporates client-side JavaScript delays to prevent rapid successive authentication attempts, which is a common defensive measure against brute-force attacks. However, this approach proves fundamentally flawed as it relies entirely on client-side execution, making it easily circumventable by malicious actors who can bypass JavaScript validation entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic misunderstanding of security boundaries and the trust model between client and server components. The router's authentication system employs JavaScript delays as a form of access control, where the web interface includes client-side code that enforces timing restrictions between authentication attempts. This approach violates fundamental security principles and represents a CWE-604: Use of Insecure or Deprecated Security Control pattern, where a security mechanism is implemented at the wrong layer of the application stack. Attackers can directly invoke the authentication CGI script through HTTP requests without going through the JavaScript-enabled web interface, effectively bypassing all client-side rate limiting controls and enabling them to conduct rapid, automated authentication attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential guessing, creating a significant risk for network security and device integrity. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to perform systematic brute-force attacks against the router's administrative interface, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the device configuration and network management functions. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003: Brute Force: Password Guessing, where adversaries leverage automated tools to rapidly test authentication credentials. The consequences include complete device compromise, unauthorized network access, potential data exfiltration, and the ability to modify router settings to redirect traffic or establish backdoors. The vulnerability affects not just individual devices but represents a broader class of issues where network appliances fail to implement proper server-side authentication controls, leaving them vulnerable to automated attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of server-side authentication controls that cannot be bypassed through client-side manipulation. Network administrators should disable unnecessary web management interfaces or implement robust server-side rate limiting mechanisms that enforce authentication attempt restrictions regardless of how requests are made to the CGI script. The solution involves deploying proper authentication throttling at the server level, implementing account lockout policies after failed attempts, and ensuring that all authentication mechanisms are enforced through secure server-side processing rather than client-side JavaScript validation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, disabling remote management features entirely, and regularly updating firmware to address known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53, which emphasize the need for proper authentication controls and server-side security enforcement to prevent attacks that exploit client-side security measures.