CVE-2014-9583 in WRT
Summary
by MITRE
common.c in infosvr in ASUS WRT firmware 3.0.0.4.376_1071, 3.0.0.376.2524-g0013f52, and other versions, as used in RT-AC66U, RT-N66U, and other routers, does not properly check the MAC address for a request, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary commands via a NET_CMD_ID_MANU_CMD packet to UDP port 9999. NOTE: this issue was incorrectly mapped to CVE-2014-10000, but that ID is invalid due to its use as an example of the 2014 CVE ID syntax change.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9583 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the ASUS WRT firmware versions affecting multiple router models including RT-AC66U and RT-N66U. This issue stems from improper MAC address validation within the common.c component of the infosvr service, which operates on UDP port 9999. The flaw allows remote attackers to craft malicious NET_CMD_ID_MANU_CMD packets that can circumvent the authentication mechanism entirely, thereby enabling arbitrary command execution on affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insufficient input validation of MAC addresses within the firmware's network communication stack. When the infosvr service receives a packet on UDP port 9999, it fails to properly validate the source MAC address against expected parameters before processing the NET_CMD_ID_MANU_CMD command. This oversight creates a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to send specially crafted packets that appear legitimate to the router's internal processing logic. The vulnerability specifically affects the firmware versions 3.0.0.4.376_1071, 3.0.0.376.2524-g0013f52, and other similar releases, indicating a widespread issue across multiple firmware iterations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to network security as it allows remote code execution without any authentication requirements. Attackers can exploit this flaw from outside the local network to gain full control over affected routers, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, DNS poisoning attacks, or as platforms for launching further attacks against connected devices. The UDP-based nature of the attack vector makes detection more challenging as the traffic appears as normal network communication rather than suspicious connection attempts.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. This classification emphasizes the fundamental flaw in the authentication mechanism where the system fails to properly verify the identity of the requesting entity. Additionally, from an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, T1021.001 for remote services, and T1566 for malicious compromise of network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no local access or credentials, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from ASUS to address the authentication bypass issue. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to UDP port 9999 from untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for unusual patterns on port 9999 and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify the specific packet structures associated with this exploit. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ports on affected devices, and conducting thorough network audits to identify and remediate similar authentication flaws across their infrastructure.