CVE-2015-5988 in F9K1102
Summary
by MITRE
The web management interface on Belkin F9K1102 2 devices with firmware 2.10.17 has a blank password, which allows remote attackers to obtain administrative privileges by leveraging a LAN session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-5988 represents a critical authentication flaw in the Belkin F9K1102 2 wireless router device. This issue affects firmware version 2.10.17 and exposes a fundamental security weakness in the device's web management interface. The vulnerability stems from a misconfiguration where the administrative account possesses a blank password field, creating an easily exploitable path for unauthorized access. This type of flaw falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and specifically aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, where the absence of proper password enforcement creates a significant security risk. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to gain administrative privileges without requiring any authentication credentials, making it a serious concern for network security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the web management interface, which is accessible over the local area network. Attackers can leverage existing LAN sessions to establish connections to the device and bypass the authentication process entirely. This attack vector operates at the application layer and represents a classic case of credential stuffing or authentication bypass. The flaw enables attackers to perform administrative functions including but not limited to configuration changes, firmware updates, network monitoring, and potentially establishing persistent access points within the network. The attack requires minimal technical expertise since the blank password eliminates the need for password cracking or brute force attempts, making it particularly dangerous for unsecured networks. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage default or weak credentials to maintain access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the network infrastructure. Once an attacker gains administrative privileges, they can modify network settings, create backdoors, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The implications are severe for organizations relying on these devices, as they may unknowingly provide attackers with a gateway to internal network resources. The vulnerability affects devices deployed in both enterprise and residential environments, creating widespread exposure across different network types. Network administrators who are unaware of this issue may not implement proper network segmentation or monitoring, allowing attackers to remain undetected for extended periods. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper default configuration management and the necessity of changing default passwords immediately upon device deployment, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various industry standards including NIST SP 800-123 and ISO 27001.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations. The primary recommendation involves updating the firmware to a version that addresses the blank password issue, which should be obtained from Belkin's official support channels. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the exposure of management interfaces to unauthorized users, and establish proper access controls through firewall rules that restrict access to the device's web interface. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network devices, as this type of authentication flaw is commonly found in consumer-grade networking equipment. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts to management interfaces, while mandatory password policies should be enforced across all network devices. Regular security audits should include verification of default credentials and configuration settings to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the network infrastructure.