CVE-2008-1268 in WRT54G
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server on the Linksys WRT54G 7 router with 7.00.1 firmware does not verify authentication credentials, which allows remote attackers to establish an FTP session by sending an arbitrary username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1268 affects the Linksys WRT54G 7 router running firmware version 7.00.1 and represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the router's File Transfer Protocol implementation. This issue stems from a fundamental failure in the FTP server component to properly validate user credentials during the authentication process, creating a security weakness that directly violates core network security principles. The flaw exists within the router's embedded operating system where the FTP service accepts any username and password combination without proper verification, effectively disabling the authentication mechanism that should protect sensitive network resources.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a classic authentication bypass vulnerability classified under CWE-287, which deals with improper handling of authentication credentials. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack where the FTP server component fails to implement proper credential validation routines. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply connecting to the router's FTP service and providing any arbitrary username and password combination, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the router's file system and potentially the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in implementing proper input validation and credential verification mechanisms that are fundamental requirements for secure network services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with unrestricted access to the router's file system and configuration data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially modify router configurations, access sensitive network information, install malicious software, or use the router as a pivot point for further attacks against internal network resources. This represents a significant threat to network security as it allows for persistent unauthorized access without requiring any specialized tools or advanced techniques beyond basic network connectivity. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which covers network service scanning, as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access and expand their network reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Linksys to address the authentication flaw, though users must be aware that the WRT54G 7 router is an older model with limited support for security updates. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential damage from such an exploit, including disabling unnecessary services like FTP when not required. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized FTP connections and establish proper access controls for router management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper authentication mechanisms and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. Security professionals should also consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader issue of legacy router security, where outdated firmware and insufficient security updates create persistent attack surfaces that require careful management and monitoring.