CVE-2013-3610 in RT-N10E
Summary
by MITRE
qis/QIS_finish.htm on the ASUS RT-N10E router with firmware before 2.0.0.25 does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to discover the administrator password via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3610 affects the ASUS RT-N10E wireless router model and represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that exposes sensitive administrative credentials. This issue resides within the qis/QIS_finish.htm web interface component of the router's firmware, specifically impacting versions prior to 2.0.0.25. The flaw fundamentally undermines the router's security architecture by eliminating the necessary authentication requirements for accessing critical administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the router's web server implementation. The qis/QIS_finish.htm page, which is part of the Quick Installation Setup process, fails to enforce authentication checks before exposing administrative password information. This allows unauthenticated remote attackers to directly access the page through a simple HTTP request, bypassing all standard authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation and access control design principles.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for affected networks. Remote attackers can obtain administrator passwords without any credentials, enabling them to gain complete control over the router configuration. This includes the ability to modify network settings, change administrator credentials, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent access points. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised routers can serve as launching points for broader network attacks, creating opportunities for lateral movement and data exfiltration.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts for unauthorized access, as attackers can leverage the exposed administrative credentials to maintain persistent access to network infrastructure. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference, where the application fails to verify authorization before granting access to sensitive resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.0.0.25 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including disabling unnecessary web interfaces, restricting access to administrative ports through firewall rules, and conducting regular security audits of network devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and the necessity of thorough security testing for network infrastructure devices to prevent similar authentication bypass scenarios in the future.