CVE-2015-6397 in RV110W
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco RV110W, RV130W, and RV215W devices have an incorrect RBAC configuration for the default account, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain root access via a login session with that account, aka Bug IDs CSCuv90139, CSCux58175, and CSCux73557.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2015-6397 affects Cisco RV110W, RV130W, and RV215W wireless broadband routers, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of these network devices. These routers are commonly deployed in small office and home environments where they serve as the primary gateway for internet connectivity and network management. The issue stems from an improper role-based access control configuration within the device's authentication system, specifically targeting the default administrative account that is pre-configured on these appliances. This misconfiguration creates a significant security risk by allowing authenticated users with minimal privileges to escalate their access to the highest administrative level, effectively granting them complete control over the device and potentially the entire network segment it serves.
The technical flaw manifests through a design weakness in how the router handles session management and privilege escalation for default accounts. When a user logs into the device using the default administrative credentials, the system fails to properly enforce the intended access restrictions that should prevent privilege escalation. This vulnerability operates under the principle that the default account should have restricted access but instead maintains elevated privileges that are not properly validated during the authentication process. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires only a valid login session with the default account, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques or complex attack vectors. This misconfiguration allows an attacker who has gained access to any legitimate user session to immediately escalate privileges to root level without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or complex exploitation methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual devices, potentially affecting entire network infrastructures that rely on these routers for connectivity and security. Once an attacker achieves root access, they can modify network configurations, install malicious firmware, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The default account vulnerability is particularly concerning because these routers are often deployed in environments where the default credentials are never changed, making them prime targets for exploitation. The impact is further amplified by the fact that these devices typically serve as the primary gateway for network traffic, meaning that compromise of the router can lead to complete network infiltration and data exfiltration capabilities for the attacker.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including changing the default administrative credentials to strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Network administrators must also ensure that default accounts are disabled or properly secured with strong authentication mechanisms. The implementation of network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and privilege escalation activities. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration flaws. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both configuration management and network monitoring capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit access to these devices from untrusted networks while ensuring that only authorized administrators can access the device management interfaces through secure channels.