CVE-2011-1645 in WRVS4400N
Summary
by MITRE
The web management interface on the Cisco RVS4000 Gigabit Security Router with software 1.x before 1.3.3.4 and 2.x before 2.0.2.7, and the WRVS4400N Gigabit Security Router with software before 2.0.2.1, allows remote attackers to read the backup configuration file, and consequently execute arbitrary code, via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCtn23871.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1645 affects Cisco RVS4000 and WRVS4400N Gigabit Security Routers running specific software versions, representing a critical security flaw in the web management interface design. This issue stems from insufficient access controls and improper authentication mechanisms within the router's administrative web portal, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system without requiring legitimate credentials. The vulnerability specifically impacts software versions 1.x before 1.3.3.4 and 2.x before 2.0.2.7 for RVS4000 models, and software before 2.0.2.1 for WRVS4400N devices, making these particular firmware versions highly susceptible to exploitation. The flaw allows unauthorized remote access to backup configuration files, which contain sensitive system information and potentially executable code that could be leveraged for further compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the web interface's file access controls, where attackers can potentially traverse file system paths or exploit input validation flaws to access restricted configuration files. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The attack vector operates through the web management interface, where the router fails to properly validate or restrict access to system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can obtain backup configuration files that typically contain administrative credentials, network settings, and potentially system binaries that could be executed to gain deeper system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables arbitrary code execution capabilities that can fundamentally compromise the entire network security infrastructure. Once an attacker gains access to the backup configuration files, they can potentially extract administrative passwords, network topology information, and other sensitive data that could be used for further attacks within the network. The ability to execute arbitrary code through this vector represents a severe threat level, as it allows attackers to modify router configurations, redirect traffic, establish backdoors, or even install malicious firmware. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the network and use the compromised router as a launching point for attacks against internal systems.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected Cisco router models, specifically upgrading to versions 1.3.3.4 or later for 1.x software and 2.0.2.7 or later for 2.x software, or to version 2.0.2.1 or later for WRVS4400N devices. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage compromised systems to execute malicious commands. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns to web management interfaces and file system access attempts, as these activities often precede successful exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and firmware update policies should be established to prevent similar issues from arising in other network infrastructure components, emphasizing the need for continuous security maintenance and vulnerability management processes.