CVE-2014-2718 in ASUS
Summary
by MITRE
ASUS RT-AC68U, RT-AC66R, RT-AC66U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56U, RT-N66R, RT-N66U, RT-N56R, RT-N56U, and possibly other RT-series routers before firmware 3.0.0.4.376.x do not verify the integrity of firmware (1) update information or (2) downloaded updates, which allows man-in-the-middle (MITM) attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2718 affects a range of ASUS RT-series routers including models RT-AC68U, RT-AC66R, RT-AC66U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56U, RT-N66R, RT-N66U, RT-N56R, and RT-N55U, along with potentially other devices in the RT-series line. These devices operate with firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.4.376.x and present a critical security flaw that stems from insufficient firmware integrity verification mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in the router's firmware update process where the device fails to properly validate either the update information or the downloaded firmware image before installation. This design flaw creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-353, which addresses the lack of integrity checking mechanisms in software components, and specifically relates to the absence of cryptographic verification of firmware updates. Attackers can leverage this weakness through man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting the firmware update process and injecting malicious code into the update image. The vulnerability does not require authentication or specific network privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed from any position within the network traffic flow. The router's failure to implement proper digital signatures or hash verification of downloaded firmware components creates a scenario where attackers can substitute legitimate firmware with malicious code without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across multiple threat vectors. Network administrators face the risk of complete device compromise where attackers can gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially leading to complete network infiltration. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the router's firmware process, which typically operates with elevated system permissions. This compromise can result in persistent backdoors, data exfiltration capabilities, network traffic interception, and the potential for attackers to use the compromised router as a pivot point for further attacks within the local network. The vulnerability affects not only the individual device but can also compromise the entire network security posture by providing attackers with a foothold that is often overlooked in traditional network security monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2718 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 3.0.0.4.376.x or later, which contain proper integrity verification mechanisms. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual firmware update activities and establish secure update channels using HTTPS or other encrypted protocols. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious firmware update traffic can provide early warning of potential attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure boot processes and cryptographic verification in network infrastructure devices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers the use of local system privileges for persistence. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure components and maintaining up-to-date firmware inventories are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.