CVE-2014-1635 in N750
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in login.cgi in MiniHttpd in Belkin N750 Router with firmware before F9K1103_WW_1.10.17m allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in the jump parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1635 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the MiniHttpd web server component of Belkin N750 routers. This issue affects firmware versions prior to F9K1103_WW_1.10.17m and resides within the login.cgi script which handles authentication requests. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation where the jump parameter in the web interface fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The login.cgi script in MiniHttpd processes the jump parameter through a vulnerable function call that does not enforce length limitations on incoming data. When a maliciously crafted string exceeds the allocated buffer size, it overflows into adjacent memory segments, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it exists in the web management interface, making it accessible to remote attackers over the network without requiring physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise of affected Belkin N750 routers. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the device, potentially enabling them to modify router configurations, install malicious software, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects the entire network infrastructure managed by the compromised router, as it allows attackers to manipulate routing tables, DNS settings, and firewall configurations. Additionally, the affected devices may be used as part of larger botnet operations, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1635 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Belkin to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in MiniHttpd. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper bounds checking in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all network devices have been updated to patched firmware versions. The vulnerability also underscores the need for secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows through proper memory management and input validation mechanisms.