CVE-2013-2683 in Linksys E4200
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Linksys E4200 1.0.05 Build 7 devices contain an Information Disclosure Vulnerability which allows remote attackers to obtain private IP addresses and other sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2024
The Cisco Linksys E4200 wireless router firmware version 1.0.05 Build 7 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive network configuration data to remote attackers. This vulnerability affects devices running the specified firmware version and represents a significant security risk for organizations and individuals relying on these networking devices for their network infrastructure. The flaw enables unauthorized parties to access private IP address information and other confidential network details without requiring authentication or physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of network configuration data within the router's web interface and management protocols. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted requests to the device's administrative interface or by leveraging network reconnaissance techniques that target the router's response mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects how the device processes and returns information about its internal network configuration, including private IP address ranges that should remain confidential within the local network environment. This type of flaw typically arises from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the device's web server implementation, allowing unauthenticated users to retrieve sensitive data through standard network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial network intelligence that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. Once private IP addresses are obtained, attackers can map the internal network topology, identify potential targets for further exploitation, and potentially launch targeted attacks against devices within the local network. This information disclosure creates a foundation for privilege escalation attacks, lateral movement within the network, and other advanced persistent threats that can compromise the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects network security posture by reducing the effectiveness of network segmentation and making it easier for attackers to identify high-value targets within the internal network environment.
Organizations and individuals using affected Cisco Linksys E4200 devices should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest firmware version provided by Cisco, which includes patches specifically designed to resolve the information disclosure issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the router's administrative interface, disable unnecessary services, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected device. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes information disclosure vulnerabilities in software systems, and corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and reconnaissance phases. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all network devices maintain current firmware versions and that proper network segmentation practices are implemented to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities.