CVE-2013-2680 in Linksys E4200
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Linksys E4200 1.0.05 Build 7 devices store passwords in cleartext allowing remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2680 affects Cisco Linksys E4200 routers running firmware version 1.0.05 Build 7 and potentially other affected models. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the device's configuration management system where administrative passwords are stored in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. The vulnerability specifically impacts the router's web-based management interface, which is commonly accessed by network administrators to configure device settings, manage user accounts, and control network security parameters.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from improper credential storage practices within the router's firmware architecture. When administrators configure or modify administrative passwords through the web interface, the system fails to apply appropriate cryptographic measures to protect these credentials. Instead, the passwords are written directly to configuration files without any form of encryption or one-way hashing mechanism. This design decision creates a fundamental security weakness that directly violates established security principles for credential storage and management. The cleartext storage approach aligns with CWE-256, which addresses the issue of storing passwords in plaintext, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various industry standards including NIST SP 800-63 and ISO/IEC 27001.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical network management functions. Remote attackers who can reach the router's web interface can exploit this vulnerability to retrieve administrative credentials, which then enable them to modify router configurations, disable security features, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. This represents a significant escalation from a simple information disclosure vulnerability to a full compromise of network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only network connectivity to the router's management interface, making it accessible to attackers who may have gained initial access through other means or who can simply connect to the network and attempt to enumerate vulnerable devices.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to substantial network security breaches and compliance violations. Organizations using affected Cisco Linksys E4200 devices face potential data breaches, unauthorized network access, and disruption of services. The vulnerability also exposes organizations to regulatory compliance issues under frameworks such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOX, which require proper protection of sensitive information and authentication credentials. Network administrators who fail to address this vulnerability may find their networks compromised without detection, as the attacker can maintain persistent access while making subtle changes to network configurations that could go unnoticed for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate firmware updates from Cisco, which would address the cleartext password storage issue through proper cryptographic implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general network traffic, employ network access control measures to restrict access to router management interfaces, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to router management interfaces and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential compromises. The remediation process should also include changing all administrative passwords on affected devices, as the vulnerability allows attackers to retrieve existing credentials, and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible to add additional security layers beyond simple password authentication.