CVE-2013-7183 in SWC-9100
Summary
by MITRE
cgi-bin/reboot.cgi on Seowon Intech SWC-9100 routers allows remote attackers to (1) cause a denial of service (reboot) via a default_reboot action or (2) reset all configuration values via a factory_default action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The CVE-2013-7183 vulnerability affects Seowon Intech SWC-9100 routers and represents a critical security flaw in the web-based administration interface. This vulnerability exists within the cgi-bin/reboot.cgi script which handles administrative functions for the router device. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit two distinct but related attack vectors that can severely compromise the device's operational integrity and network security posture. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the web interface, enabling unauthorized remote exploitation without requiring legitimate credentials or physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack methods that demonstrate poor security design in the router's firmware. The first vector allows attackers to trigger an immediate system reboot through a default_reboot action parameter, effectively causing a denial of service condition that can disrupt network connectivity for legitimate users. The second vector provides the capability to reset all configuration values to factory defaults via a factory_default action parameter, which completely erases all network settings including administrative passwords, network configurations, and security policies. Both attack methods can be executed remotely over the network without authentication, making them particularly dangerous for network administrators who rely on these devices for critical infrastructure protection.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7183 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete network configuration compromise. When exploited, the denial of service component can render the router inaccessible for extended periods, potentially affecting hundreds or thousands of connected devices depending on the network topology. The factory reset functionality poses an even greater threat as it completely erases all security configurations, requiring network administrators to reconfigure the device from scratch. This vulnerability directly violates several security principles including the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement, as outlined in the CWE-284 access control weakness category. The attack can be executed from any location with network access to the router's web interface, making it an attractive target for both opportunistic attackers and those with malicious intent.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers network denial of service attacks and T1566 which encompasses credential harvesting and access control bypass. The vulnerability's exploitation demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization and authentication mechanisms that should be implemented according to security best practices. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment since it represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture. The vulnerability affects not only the specific device model but also indicates potential design flaws in the entire Seowon Intech router product line, suggesting that similar issues may exist in other firmware implementations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to administrative interfaces, and regular firmware updates when available. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing of network devices before deployment in production environments, as recommended by NIST cybersecurity guidelines and ISO/IEC 27001 standards.