CVE-2013-7293 in WL-330NUL
Summary
by MITRE
The ASUS WL-330NUL router has a configuration process that relies on accessing the 192.168.1.1 IP address, but the documentation advises users to instead access a DNS hostname that does not always resolve to 192.168.1.1, which makes it easier for remote attackers to hijack the configuration traffic by controlling the server associated with that hostname.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The CVE-2013-7293 vulnerability affects the ASUS WL-330NUL wireless router, presenting a significant security flaw in its initial configuration process that exposes users to man-in-the-middle attacks. This vulnerability stems from the router's configuration interface design where users are instructed to access a specific DNS hostname rather than the direct IP address 192.168.1.1. The discrepancy between the documented hostname and the actual IP address creates a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept and manipulate configuration traffic, fundamentally undermining the security of the device setup process.
The technical flaw manifests in the router's reliance on DNS resolution for configuration access, which creates a trust relationship between the user's device and the DNS server handling the hostname resolution. When users attempt to configure their router using the documented hostname, their device performs a DNS lookup that may resolve to an attacker-controlled server rather than the legitimate router IP address. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-611, which deals with improper access control, and specifically relates to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure. The flaw represents a classic case of DNS hijacking where the attacker controls the resolution process to redirect users to malicious servers that can intercept or modify configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration interception, as it enables attackers to perform complete man-in-the-middle attacks during the initial router setup phase. During this critical period when users are configuring their network settings, authentication credentials, network parameters, and other sensitive configuration data can be captured or modified by attackers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the device's initial setup when users may not be expecting network traffic interception, and it can lead to complete network compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS, and T1566 for credential access through social engineering and network manipulation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple security controls. Users should always verify IP addresses directly rather than relying on DNS hostnames for initial configuration, and administrators should ensure their DNS infrastructure is properly secured against unauthorized modifications. Network administrators should implement DNS security measures such as DNSSEC to prevent DNS hijacking, while also monitoring for unauthorized DNS server changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration practices that avoid relying on potentially compromised DNS resolution for critical network device access, emphasizing the need for direct IP-based access during initial setup phases. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration traffic interception attempts, as this vulnerability can serve as a gateway for more sophisticated attacks targeting the broader network infrastructure.