CVE-2015-7788 in WL-330NUL
Summary
by MITRE
ASUS Japan WL-330NUL devices with firmware before 3.0.0.42 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The CVE-2015-7788 vulnerability affects ASUS Japan WL-330NUL wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.42, representing a critical remote command execution flaw that exposes these network devices to unauthorized administrative access. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient input validation and weak access controls, which are commonly classified as CWE-20 and CWE-284 respectively within the CWE database. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure components that are often deployed in unsecured environments. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could stem from multiple attack surfaces within the device's web interface or firmware processing mechanisms, potentially including improper sanitization of user-supplied input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows adversaries to gain full administrative control over the affected routers, enabling them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the affected device's interface. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as these devices often serve as primary network gateways, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish footholds within larger networks. The vulnerability's remote nature eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential compromise scope.
The operational implications of CVE-2015-7788 are severe for organizations relying on ASUS WL-330NUL devices, as the vulnerability can lead to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, and service disruption. Network administrators may face challenges in identifying compromised devices due to the lack of authentication requirements for exploitation, and the vulnerability's presence in firmware versions predating 3.0.0.42 suggests that many devices may remain unpatched in production environments. The flaw also demonstrates the critical importance of firmware security updates, as devices that are not regularly updated remain vulnerable to known exploits. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate firmware updates to version 3.0.0.42 or later, which would address the underlying command execution flaw. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other vulnerable network components. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all network infrastructure devices and implementing robust patch management processes. Additionally, organizations should consider network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of command execution attempts, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address router compromise scenarios. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration practices and the need for organizations to regularly audit their network infrastructure for known vulnerabilities.