CVE-2013-4655 in N900
Summary
by MITRE
Symlink Traversal vulnerability in Belkin N900 due to misconfiguration in the SMB service.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The CVE-2013-4655 vulnerability represents a critical symlink traversal flaw affecting Belkin N900 wireless routers, specifically within their SMB (Server Message Block) service implementation. This vulnerability stems from improper configuration and handling of symbolic links within the router's file system access mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system manipulation. The issue manifests when the SMB service fails to properly validate or sanitize symbolic link references, allowing remote attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy beyond intended boundaries. Such misconfiguration creates a fundamental security gap in the router's access control model, where legitimate file system operations become exploitable vectors for malicious activity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent weaknesses in how the Belkin N900 processes symbolic links within its SMB implementation. When an attacker sends specially crafted SMB requests containing malicious symlink references, the router's service processes these without adequate validation, potentially allowing access to restricted system files, configuration data, or even the ability to modify critical firmware components. This flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and inadequate access control enforcement, creating a scenario where the router's internal file system becomes accessible through network-based attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the SMB service's handling of file paths and symbolic link resolution, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that should protect the device's internal resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to network security and device integrity. Attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files containing administrative credentials, network settings, or other confidential data stored within the router's file system. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system compromise, as attackers might gain the ability to upload malicious firmware or modify system files to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects the router's ability to maintain proper isolation between its internal services and external network access, fundamentally undermining the security posture of networks relying on the affected device. Network administrators face the challenge of securing devices that may expose their internal file systems through legitimate network services, creating a potential attack surface that could compromise entire network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4655 should focus on immediate service configuration adjustments and long-term security enhancements. Organizations should disable or properly configure the SMB service on affected Belkin N900 devices, ensuring that symbolic link resolution is properly restricted and validated. Implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit exposure to this vulnerability, while regular firmware updates and security assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-36: "Absolute Path Traversal" and CWE-22: "Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," highlighting the fundamental flaws in path validation and access control mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and lateral movement through network services, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within network environments. The remediation process should also include comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous SMB traffic patterns and ensure that symbolic link handling within network services follows security best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other network infrastructure components.