CVE-2015-3911 in E587 Mobile WiFi
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei E587 Mobile WiFi with firmware before 11.203.30.00.00 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, change configurations, send messages, and cause a denial of service (device restart) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3911 affects Huawei E587 Mobile WiFi devices running firmware versions prior to 11.203.30.00.00, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms and operational integrity. This issue falls under the category of weak authentication and privilege escalation vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-287 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The affected device operates as a mobile wireless access point that provides connectivity to multiple users through a centralized network infrastructure, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to network resources and potential disruption of services.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified attack vectors that permit remote exploitation without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials. This vulnerability enables attackers to bypass the device's built-in authentication mechanisms, gaining unauthorized access to administrative functions and configuration settings. The compromised authentication system allows threat actors to perform administrative operations including changing network configurations, sending SMS messages through the device's integrated communication capabilities, and triggering device restarts that result in denial of service conditions. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests potential weaknesses in the device's web interface authentication, API endpoints, or session management protocols that could be exploited through various means including cross-site scripting attacks, session hijacking, or direct API manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for network security and availability. Attackers can manipulate the device's configuration settings to redirect traffic, alter security policies, or disable critical network functions, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure that relies on the device for connectivity. The ability to send SMS messages through the device represents an additional attack surface that could be leveraged for spamming, phishing campaigns, or social engineering attacks targeting users within the network. The denial of service capability through device restarts creates immediate operational disruption, potentially affecting business continuity and network availability for legitimate users who depend on the mobile WiFi connection.
Organizations utilizing Huawei E587 devices should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including firmware updates to version 11.203.30.00.00 or later as provided by Huawei. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to the device's management interfaces, and monitoring for unusual configuration changes or SMS activity. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and defense evasion, where attackers can leverage the compromised device to maintain persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network devices and ensure comprehensive protection against similar exploitation vectors.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure device management and firmware update practices in mobile network infrastructure. Many organizations rely on mobile WiFi devices for critical connectivity needs, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent network access points. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor authentication flaws can lead to significant security breaches and operational disruptions, emphasizing the need for robust security practices throughout the device lifecycle including secure configuration, regular updates, and continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.