CVE-2010-1573 in WAP54Gv3
Summary
by MITRE
Linksys WAP54Gv3 firmware 3.04.03 and earlier uses a hard-coded username (Gemtek) and password (gemtekswd) for a debug interface for certain web pages, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the (1) data1, (2) data2, or (3) data3 parameters to (a) Debug_command_page.asp and (b) debug.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1573 affects the Linksys WAP54Gv3 wireless access point device running firmware versions 3.04.03 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes a debug interface with hardcoded authentication credentials, creating an unauthorized access vector for remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's web-based management interface, where a debug command page is accessible through two primary endpoints: Debug_command_page.asp and debug.cgi. These interfaces contain three vulnerable parameters named data1, data2, and data3 that process user input without proper sanitization or authentication verification. The hardcoded credentials consist of a username 'Gemtek' and password 'gemtekswd' which are embedded within the firmware code itself, making them easily discoverable through reverse engineering or public research. This design flaw directly violates security best practices and creates a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of administrative password changes or configuration modifications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's insecure coding practices where developers embedded hardcoded credentials for debugging purposes within the production firmware. This approach creates a fundamental security weakness that aligns with CWE-798, which identifies the use of hard-coded credentials as a significant vulnerability. The debug interface operates with elevated privileges, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the device through the vulnerable parameters. When remote attackers submit malicious payloads through the data1, data2, or data3 parameters, the system processes these inputs without proper validation, leading to command injection attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain full administrative control over the wireless access point, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. This represents a classic example of CWE-94, which describes the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation, combined with CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords in software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any network using affected Linksys WAP54Gv3 devices. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within networks, potentially enabling them to monitor wireless communications, modify network settings, or redirect traffic through malicious proxies. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network knowledge to compromise it, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless infrastructure is often deployed without proper security hardening. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021 for remote services, allowing for lateral movement and persistence within the network. The device's role as a wireless access point makes it a valuable target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized network access, as it can provide a bridge between internal and external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1573 require immediate firmware updates from Linksys to address the hardcoded credentials and implement proper input validation for the debug interface. Organizations should disable the debug interface entirely if it is not required for legitimate administrative purposes, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to the affected devices, particularly focusing on unusual traffic patterns or command execution attempts. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that firmware updates are applied across all vulnerable systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-41 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the need for secure coding practices and proper credential management. Additionally, implementing network access controls and regular vulnerability scanning can help detect similar hardcoded credential issues in other network infrastructure components, preventing similar security incidents from occurring in the future.