CVE-2013-3568 in Linksys WRT110
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Cisco Linksys WRT110 allows remote attackers to hijack the authentication of users for requests that have unspecified impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The CVE-2013-3568 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness discovered in Cisco Linksys WRT110 wireless routers, exposing the device to unauthorized manipulation by remote attackers. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of web application security flaws that undermine the integrity of user authentication mechanisms. The affected device operates as a consumer-grade wireless router that manages network access and configuration settings, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent network control. The vulnerability's classification as a CSRF issue indicates that it exploits the trust relationship between the authenticated user and the web interface of the router, allowing malicious actors to perform unauthorized actions without possessing valid credentials.
The technical flaw in the Cisco Linksys WRT110 stems from inadequate validation of request origins and lack of proper anti-CSRF token implementation within the device's web administration interface. When users access the router's configuration pages, the system fails to adequately verify that requests originate from legitimate sources within the same session, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that appear to come from authenticated users. The unspecified impact vectors suggest that attackers could potentially manipulate various router configuration parameters, including network settings, user accounts, firewall rules, or even firmware update processes. This weakness specifically affects the web-based management interface that allows users to configure router settings, making the exploitation process more accessible to attackers who may not require specialized technical knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent control over network infrastructure that can be leveraged for broader attacks. Once compromised, the router can serve as a foothold for network reconnaissance, allowing attackers to map internal network topologies, identify connected devices, and potentially escalate privileges to gain access to sensitive internal systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers do not need physical access to the device or network presence to carry out attacks, significantly expanding the attack surface. Network administrators may remain unaware of the compromise until malicious activities occur, as the router continues to function normally while serving as a covert channel for attacker operations. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering or compromised network devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3568 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Cisco, as the vendor would have addressed the vulnerability through proper CSRF token implementation and request origin validation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the router's web interface from untrusted networks, while administrators should enforce strong authentication practices including regular password changes and disabling unnecessary administrative access. The implementation of network monitoring tools to detect anomalous traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the web interface entirely if it's not required, or implementing network access control measures that limit which devices can access the router's management functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining awareness of device vulnerabilities, particularly in network infrastructure components that serve as attack entry points. The weakness also highlights the need for proper input validation and anti-CSRF measures in embedded web interfaces, aligning with CWE-352 which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities in web applications and systems.