CVE-2015-7249 in ZXHN H108N R1A
Summary
by MITRE
ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A devices before ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via a modified request, as demonstrated by leveraging the support account to change a password via a cgi-bin/webproc accountpsd action.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2015-7249 vulnerability affects ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A broadband wireless routers running firmware versions prior to ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that allows authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and access restricted administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically targets the web interface authentication mechanism and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation within network devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the cgi-bin/webproc web interface endpoint, specifically targeting the accountpsd action parameter. Attackers can leverage a pre-existing support account to execute password modification requests that should normally be restricted to authorized administrators only. This flaw stems from inadequate access control validation within the router's web application, where the system fails to properly verify user privileges before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in authorization mechanisms under CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization in software systems.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables attackers who have already established authentication credentials to bypass intended security boundaries within the device. The impact extends beyond simple password changes, as it demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the router's privilege management system that could potentially allow full administrative control. Once exploited, an attacker could modify user accounts, change network configurations, or access sensitive device information that should remain protected. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has already gained initial access to the device can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and gain deeper system control.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-7249 aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through valid accounts and defense evasion via web application manipulation. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how authentication bypass flaws can be leveraged to achieve unauthorized access to network infrastructure devices. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects a specific model and firmware version, making it potentially targetable for device-specific attacks within networks containing these routers. Organizations should implement immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability and should consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks on their overall security posture. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in embedded web applications, particularly those managing network device configurations and user accounts.