CVE-2012-1250 in Lan-w300n
Summary
by MITRE
Logitec LAN-W300N/R routers with firmware before 2.27 do not properly restrict login access, which allows remote attackers to obtain administrative privileges and modify settings via vectors related to PPPoE authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2018
The Logitec LAN-W300N/R router vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of network infrastructure devices. This weakness affects firmware versions prior to 2.27 and stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the router's web-based administration interface. The vulnerability specifically targets the PPPoE authentication process, which serves as a primary method for establishing internet connectivity in many residential and small office environments. Attackers can exploit this flaw to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain full administrative control over the affected devices, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and session management within the router's authentication subsystem. When users attempt to establish PPPoE connections, the router fails to properly validate authentication credentials or maintain secure session boundaries. This allows remote attackers to manipulate authentication parameters and escalate their privileges without proper authorization. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from external network positions without requiring physical access or sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic example of how weak access controls can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond individual device compromise, as it enables attackers to modify critical network settings including firewall rules, port forwarding configurations, and DNS server assignments. Once administrative access is obtained, threat actors can redirect traffic through malicious servers, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised router as a launch point for attacks against other networked devices. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to data privacy and network integrity, as attackers can potentially intercept or modify network traffic flowing through the compromised device. This type of attack vector is particularly concerning in residential environments where routers often serve as the primary network gateway and may not receive regular security updates from end users.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify affected devices, followed by exploitation of the authentication bypass to gain administrative access. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to version 2.27 or later, which address the authentication flaw through proper credential validation and session management. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary services, restricting remote administration access, and monitoring for suspicious network activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular firmware maintenance and the need for manufacturers to provide timely security updates for consumer networking equipment. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar authentication vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices.