CVE-2009-2073 in WRT160N
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Linksys WRT160N wireless router hardware 1 and firmware 1.02.2 allows remote attackers to hijack the authentication of other users for unspecified requests via unknown vectors, as demonstrated using administrator privileges and actions.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2018
The CVE-2009-2073 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw discovered in Linksys WRT160N wireless routers with hardware revision 1 and firmware version 1.02.2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate authenticated sessions and execute unauthorized administrative actions on the affected router. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the absence of proper anti-CSRF mechanisms within the router's web interface, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted requests that appear legitimate to the router's authentication system.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability involves the exploitation of session management flaws within the router's web administration interface. Attackers can construct malicious web pages or send crafted HTTP requests that, when executed by an authenticated user, perform administrative functions without the user's knowledge or consent. The vulnerability specifically affects the router's authentication handling process, where the system fails to validate the origin of requests or verify that the requests were initiated by the legitimate user. This allows attackers to leverage existing authenticated sessions to perform actions such as changing router configurations, modifying user accounts, or accessing sensitive network settings.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2073 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with full administrative control over the affected network infrastructure. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to modify firewall rules, change network configurations, reset passwords, or even install malicious firmware updates. The implications are particularly severe for home and small office networks where the WRT160N routers are commonly deployed, as these devices often serve as the primary gateway for network access and security enforcement. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the network, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2073 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Linksys, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent firmware releases. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including disabling remote administration access, configuring proper firewall rules, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, as attackers may use compromised routers to redirect traffic or establish command and control channels. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities that could indicate CSRF attack attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication and session management in network infrastructure components.