CVE-2008-0228 in WRT54GL
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in apply.cgi in the Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router with firmware 4.30.9 allows remote attackers to perform actions as administrators.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2017
The CVE-2008-0228 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw discovered in the Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router firmware version 4.30.9. This vulnerability resides within the apply.cgi script which serves as a critical configuration interface for the router's administrative functions. The flaw fundamentally undermines the router's security model by allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate the device's configuration parameters through crafted web requests. The vulnerability specifically affects the router's administrative interface where the apply.cgi script processes configuration changes, making it a prime target for exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication and validation mechanisms within the apply.cgi script. When administrators access the router's web-based management interface, the system should validate that requests originate from authenticated users with proper privileges. However, the flawed implementation fails to verify the authenticity of requests submitted through the apply.cgi endpoint, allowing malicious actors to craft HTTP requests that appear to come from legitimate administrators. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer where user interactions are processed, making it a classic example of a session management flaw that enables unauthorized administrative actions. The router's web server processes these requests without sufficient cryptographic token validation or referer header checks that would normally prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0228 extends far beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected routers. Once exploited, attackers can modify network settings, change administrator passwords, disable security features, configure port forwarding rules, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability essentially transforms any connected device into a potential attack vector for the entire network, as the compromised router can then be used to launch further attacks against internal systems or serve as a pivot point for reconnaissance activities. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that many users may not regularly update their router firmware, leaving these devices vulnerable for extended periods. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control communications, as the compromised router can be leveraged for network infiltration activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the router firmware to a version that properly implements CSRF protection mechanisms, including the use of anti-forgery tokens and proper session validation. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling remote administrative access when possible, implementing network segmentation, and regularly monitoring router configuration changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure web application development practices and proper input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls that limit administrative access to trusted networks only, and establish regular inventory tracking of network devices to ensure timely firmware updates. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper security controls at all levels of network infrastructure.