CVE-2015-6023 in HSPA 3G10WVE
Summary
by MITRE
ping.cgi in NetCommWireless HSPA 3G10WVE wireless routers with firmware before 3G10WVE-L101-S306ETS-C01_R05 allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a direct request. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2015-6024 to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6023 affects NetComm Wireless HSPA 3G10WVE wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 3G10WVE-L101-S306ETS-C01_R05. This issue resides in the ping.cgi web script component of the router's web interface, representing a critical access control flaw that enables unauthorized remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication checks within the ping.cgi script, allowing attackers to bypass intended access restrictions through direct HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to router management functions that should be restricted to authenticated administrative users.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of user credentials and session management within the ping.cgi script. When an attacker sends a direct request to the ping.cgi endpoint without proper authentication, the router fails to verify the requester's authorization level before processing the request. This design flaw falls under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, and specifically relates to CWE-305, which deals with authentication bypass through multiple authentication factors. The vulnerability creates a condition where the router's web interface does not properly enforce access controls, allowing unauthenticated users to access administrative functions typically restricted to authorized personnel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides a foundation for more severe exploitation when combined with CVE-2015-6024. The initial access bypass allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices, potentially enabling complete system compromise. This combination of vulnerabilities represents a critical threat to network security, as it allows attackers to gain root access to the router and subsequently compromise the entire network infrastructure. The attack surface includes potential data exfiltration, network traffic interception, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the network. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised router to execute malicious commands and scripts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6023 must include immediate firmware updates to the affected router models, specifically targeting firmware version 3G10WVE-L101-S306ETS-C01_R05 or later. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to router management interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing network access control lists to restrict access to router management ports, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities. The remediation process should also involve changing default administrative credentials, disabling remote management features when not required, and establishing network monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to unauthorized access attempts targeting these specific vulnerabilities.