CVE-2008-0403 in F5D9230-4
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Router F5D9230-4 does not require authentication for SaveCfgFile.cgi, which allows remote attackers to read and modify configuration via a direct request to SaveCfgFile.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0403 affects the Belkin Wireless G Plus MIMO Router F5D9230-4 web management interface, representing a critical security flaw in network device administration. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the router's web server implementation, specifically targeting the SaveCfgFile.cgi script that handles configuration file operations. The vulnerability exists because the router fails to enforce authentication requirements before allowing access to critical configuration management functions, creating an attack surface that exposes sensitive network settings to unauthorized remote exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of authentication checks for the SaveCfgFile.cgi endpoint, which serves as a direct interface for configuration file operations within the router's web administration system. This script allows attackers to perform both read and write operations on the device configuration without requiring valid credentials or authorization. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and specifically relates to the lack of authentication requirements for administrative functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting direct HTTP requests to the SaveCfgFile.cgi endpoint, bypassing normal authentication flows and gaining unauthorized access to the router's configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote attackers to completely compromise the affected router's configuration. An attacker can remotely read the current configuration file, potentially extracting sensitive information such as network credentials, wireless passwords, firewall rules, and other critical network settings. Additionally, the ability to modify configuration files allows for complete takeover of the device, enabling attackers to redirect traffic, disable security features, or install malicious configurations that persist across reboots. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to network security as it allows attackers to gain persistent access to the router's administrative interface without requiring physical access or prior knowledge of valid credentials. The exposure of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1021.001, which covers remote services exploitation through unauthenticated access to network infrastructure devices.
The implications extend beyond simple configuration access, as compromised router configurations can lead to broader network infiltration and persistent backdoors. Once an attacker gains access to the router's configuration, they can modify firewall settings to allow unauthorized network access, configure port forwarding rules to expose internal systems, or disable security features entirely. This vulnerability also enables attackers to establish persistent access points within the network, potentially serving as a foothold for further lateral movement and reconnaissance activities. The lack of authentication requirements for critical configuration functions creates a fundamental security flaw that undermines the router's role as a network security boundary device. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication mechanisms in network device management interfaces and underscores the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates where available, network monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and implementation of network access controls that limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only.