CVE-2008-3411 in Akw-d800
Summary
by MITRE
The Axesstel AXW-D800 modem with D2_ETH_109_01_VEBR Jun-14-2006 software does not require authentication for (1) etc/config/System.html, (2) etc/config/Network.html, (3) etc/config/Security.html, (4) cgi-bin/sysconf.cgi, and (5) cgi-bin/route.cgi, which allows remote attackers to change the modem s configuration via direct requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2018
The Axesstel AXW-D800 modem represents a significant security vulnerability through its failure to implement proper authentication mechanisms for critical system configuration endpoints. This vulnerability affects the D2_ETH_109_01_VEBR firmware version released on June 14, 2006, and exposes multiple administrative interfaces that remain accessible without any form of user verification or authorization checks. The affected endpoints include system configuration files such as etc/config/System.html, Network.html, and Security.html, along with CGI scripts cgi-bin/sysconf.cgi and cgi-bin/route.cgi, which collectively provide access to fundamental modem operational parameters.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of authentication requirements for administrative interfaces within the modem's web-based management system. This represents a classic weakness in access control implementation where the system fails to verify user credentials before granting access to configuration functions. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to directly submit HTTP requests to these endpoints, bypassing any security measures that should normally protect system configuration parameters. This design flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically demonstrates weak authentication mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify critical network parameters, security settings, and system configurations that could compromise the entire network infrastructure. Remote attackers could potentially alter routing tables through the cgi-bin/route.cgi endpoint, modify network settings via Network.html, or adjust security policies through Security.html, all without requiring any authentication credentials. This vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including network disruption, unauthorized access to connected devices, and potential data exfiltration through modified network configurations.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, T1566 for credential harvesting, and T1021.001 for remote services. Organizations deploying these modems face significant risk as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially using the modem as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects network infrastructure devices that often serve as gateways between internal networks and external connections, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or disrupt network operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the authentication deficiencies, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additional security measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing network access control lists, and establishing regular security audits of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP requests targeting the identified vulnerable endpoints, as this vulnerability specifically enables unauthorized configuration changes through direct web requests without proper authentication mechanisms in place.