CVE-2008-1269 in Gate2 Plus Wi-fi
Summary
by MITRE
cp06_wifi_m_nocifr.cgi in the admin panel on the Alice Gate 2 Plus Wi-Fi router does not verify authentication credentials, which allows remote attackers to disable Wi-Fi encryption via a certain request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1269 affects the Alice Gate 2 Plus Wi-Fi router, specifically targeting the cp06_wifi_m_nocifr.cgi component within the device's administrative interface. This flaw represents a critical authentication bypass issue that fundamentally undermines the security posture of the affected network equipment. The vulnerability resides in the router's web-based management system where proper credential verification mechanisms have been omitted or improperly implemented, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized users to access administrative functions without legitimate authentication.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in network devices and applications. The flaw specifically manifests in the cp06_wifi_m_nocifr.cgi script that handles Wi-Fi configuration parameters, particularly the disabling of encryption features. When an attacker crafts a specific HTTP request to this administrative endpoint, they can bypass the normal authentication process and directly modify the router's wireless security settings. This represents a classic case of weak input validation and authentication enforcement, where the application fails to properly validate user credentials before executing privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows remote attackers to disable Wi-Fi encryption on the affected router without requiring any valid credentials. This capability directly violates fundamental network security principles and creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors. Once exploitation occurs, the attacker can render the wireless network vulnerable to eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unauthorized access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and residential deployments where such devices are commonly found.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1566 for initial access through network infrastructure. The ability to disable encryption without authentication creates a persistent security risk that can be leveraged for further attacks within the network. Network defenders should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for broader compromise activities, as disabling encryption typically serves as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security design practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1071 for application layer protocols and T1082 for system information discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer to address the authentication bypass issue, as well as network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. Network administrators should implement strict access controls, disable unnecessary administrative services, and ensure that all management interfaces are properly secured with strong authentication mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and configuration changes should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication enforcement in network device management interfaces, serving as a reminder that even seemingly simple administrative functions require robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access and configuration changes.