CVE-2009-3341 in WRT54GL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow on the Linksys WRT54GL wireless router allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by a certain module in VulnDisco Pack Professional 8.10 through 8.11. NOTE: as of 20090917, this disclosure has no actionable information. However, because the VulnDisco Pack author is a reliable researcher, the issue is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2017
The CVE-2009-3341 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting the Linksys WRT54GL wireless router firmware. This vulnerability resides within the router's network processing stack and provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected device. The issue was initially identified through testing with VulnDisco Pack Professional version 8.10 through 8.11, which demonstrated the exploitability of this flaw. The vulnerability affects a widely deployed consumer-grade wireless router that was popular in both residential and small business environments, making its exploitation potentially widespread. The buffer overflow occurs when the router processes certain network packets or requests that exceed the allocated memory buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The WRT54GL router's firmware implementation likely fails to properly validate input lengths when processing network traffic, particularly in HTTP request handling or other network services. This flaw represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite return addresses or function pointers, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that an attacker does not need physical access to the device or network proximity to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where such routers are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router. Once exploited, attackers can modify network configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The WRT54GL router's position as a central networking component makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution creates significant risk for organizations that rely on these devices for network connectivity, as the compromise of a single device can lead to broader network infiltration. The fact that this vulnerability was demonstrated through professional security tools indicates that it represents a genuine security flaw rather than a false positive or theoretical issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3341 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Linksys, as the manufacturer would have released patches addressing this specific buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised device, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and consider network access control measures to restrict device access. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1021 for remote services, as attackers would need to establish command execution capabilities and potentially leverage remote access protocols. Network administrators should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components. Given the age of this vulnerability and the WRT54GL's widespread deployment, organizations should also consider replacing these devices with more modern firmware-supported routers that have better security posture and regular update cycles.