CVE-2014-2719 in RT Router
Summary
by MITRE
Advanced_System_Content.asp in the ASUS RT series routers with firmware before 3.0.0.4.374.5517, when an administrator session is active, allows remote authenticated users to obtain the administrator user name and password by reading the source code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2719 affects ASUS RT series routers running firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.4.374.5517 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security of network infrastructure devices. This vulnerability resides within the Advanced_System_Content.asp web interface component of the router's firmware, specifically when an administrator session is active. The flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to extract sensitive administrative credentials by accessing and reading the source code of the affected web page. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where sensitive information is exposed through improper access control mechanisms. This issue falls under CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly restrict access to sensitive data. The attack vector requires only network access and authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to the network through other means.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fact that when an administrator session is active, the Advanced_System_Content.asp page contains hardcoded or improperly obfuscated administrative credentials within its source code. This design flaw allows attackers to retrieve administrative usernames and passwords without requiring additional exploitation techniques or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security practices in credential handling. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers the technique of credential access through exploitation of remote services, and T1078, which addresses legitimate credentials. The flaw essentially provides attackers with a direct path to administrative access, enabling them to manipulate router configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. The exposure of administrative credentials through source code inspection represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices and proper input validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2719 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected routers. Once an attacker obtains the administrative credentials, they can modify firewall rules, change DNS settings, redirect traffic to malicious servers, or establish backdoors for persistent access. This vulnerability essentially transforms the router from a security boundary into an attack vector, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual devices to affect network-wide security posture, as routers often serve as gateways between internal networks and external internet access. Organizations relying on ASUS RT series routers for network security may experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, network disruption, or complete network compromise. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS poisoning, or other advanced persistent threat activities. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability violates security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which require proper access controls and protection of sensitive information. The exposure of administrative credentials through source code inspection represents a critical failure in the defense-in-depth strategy, as it eliminates the need for additional exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2719 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation. Organizations should immediately update all affected ASUS RT series routers to firmware version 3.0.0.4.374.5517 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper access controls and credential obfuscation. Network administrators should also implement strict network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised routers and establish monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns. Additional mitigations include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong network access controls, and regularly auditing router configurations. Security professionals should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish network-based access controls to prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive information. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Furthermore, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and using strong, unique passwords for administrative accounts can significantly reduce the impact of credential exposure vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date firmware and following security best practices to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities that could lead to complete network compromise.