CVE-2008-1242 in F5D7230-4
Summary
by MITRE
The control panel on the Belkin F5D7230-4 router with firmware 9.01.10 maintains authentication state by IP address, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by establishing a session from a source IP address of a previously authenticated user, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-3802.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1242 affects the Belkin F5D7230-4 wireless router running firmware version 9.01.10 and represents a significant authentication bypass flaw that undermines the router's security posture. This issue stems from the router's flawed session management implementation where the control panel relies on IP address tracking rather than robust authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates under the principle that once a user successfully authenticates to the router's web interface, the system maintains their authenticated state based solely on their originating IP address. This approach creates a dangerous security assumption that IP addresses remain static and trustworthy throughout a session, which is fundamentally flawed in modern network environments where IP addresses frequently change due to DHCP assignments, mobile device connectivity, or network reconfigurations.
The technical flaw manifests as a session hijacking vulnerability that enables remote attackers to exploit the router's authentication system through IP address spoofing or reuse. When a legitimate user authenticates to the router's web interface, the system records their authenticated session state tied to their current IP address. An attacker who can determine or predict the IP address of a previously authenticated user can establish their own connection from that same IP address and immediately gain access to the router's administrative functions without providing valid credentials. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web-based management interface of the router, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to modify network settings, change passwords, disable security features, and potentially gain full control over the network infrastructure. The flaw directly relates to CWE-384, which addresses session management vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly manage authenticated sessions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate session information to maintain persistent access to network devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass comprehensive network compromise and potential data exfiltration. An attacker with access to the router's administrative interface can modify firewall rules, configure port forwarding, disable intrusion detection systems, change DNS settings, and potentially redirect network traffic to malicious endpoints. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation without requiring local network access or prior knowledge of valid credentials, making it accessible to attackers anywhere on the internet. The attack vector is straightforward yet effective, as attackers only need to establish a network connection from an IP address that was previously authenticated to the router. This creates a window of opportunity that can persist for as long as the router maintains session state for that IP address, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access for extended periods. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security design principles where the system assumes IP address immutability, which contradicts standard security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and other security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust authentication mechanisms independent of network location. Organizations using affected Belkin routers should immediately implement network segmentation, disable web-based management interfaces, and consider firmware updates if available, though in this case the vulnerability existed in firmware version 9.01.10 and likely required a complete firmware upgrade to address the fundamental session management flaw.