CVE-2015-7279 in Wireless R10000
Summary
by MITRE
Amped Wireless R10000 devices with firmware 2.5.2.11 use an improper algorithm for selecting the ID value in the header of a DNS query, which makes it easier for remote attackers to spoof responses by predicting this value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7279 affects Amped Wireless R10000 devices running firmware version 2.5.2.11, representing a significant security weakness in the device's DNS query handling mechanism. This flaw resides in the implementation of the Domain Name System protocol within the wireless router's network stack, where the device employs a predictable or improperly randomized algorithm for generating identification values in DNS query headers. The issue stems from inadequate entropy in the random number generation process used to select the transaction ID field, which is a critical component of DNS protocol communication for maintaining query-response correlation. According to CWE-330, this vulnerability directly relates to the use of insufficiently random values in security-critical contexts, making the system susceptible to predictable patterns that an attacker can exploit. The improper algorithm selection creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to intercept DNS traffic and inject falsified responses into the communication stream.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform DNS spoofing attacks by predicting the transaction ID values used in DNS queries generated by the affected devices. When a device sends a DNS query to resolve a domain name, it includes a unique identifier in the query header to match against the corresponding response. The flawed algorithm in the R10000 devices generates these identifiers using insufficient randomness, enabling attackers to guess or calculate the correct ID value within a reasonable timeframe. This predictable pattern means that an attacker positioned between the device and DNS servers can craft malicious DNS responses with matching transaction IDs, causing the device to accept and process the forged data as legitimate. The vulnerability specifically targets the DNS protocol implementation and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers protocol manipulation and DNS tunneling activities that exploit weaknesses in network communication protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7279 extends beyond simple network disruption, potentially enabling attackers to redirect traffic to malicious websites, intercept sensitive communications, or establish persistent footholds within networks. This vulnerability essentially undermines the integrity of DNS resolution processes, allowing attackers to manipulate domain name lookups and potentially gain access to internal network resources that would otherwise be protected by proper authentication mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are commonly deployed in residential and small business environments where network monitoring may be limited, making such attacks more difficult to detect. The vulnerability's classification as a DNS cache poisoning weakness means that successful exploitation could result in long-term network compromise, as affected devices would continue to accept and process malicious DNS responses until the device is manually rebooted or updated with a patched firmware version. Organizations using these devices face elevated risk of man-in-the-middle attacks, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure due to the fundamental nature of DNS protocol manipulation.