CVE-2015-7789 in WL-330NUL
Summary
by MITRE
ASUS Japan WL-330NUL devices with firmware before 3.0.0.42 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The CVE-2015-7789 vulnerability affects ASUS Japan WL-330NUL wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.42, representing a critical denial of service flaw that compromises network availability. This vulnerability resides within the device's firmware implementation and specifically targets the router's ability to maintain stable network operations, potentially leaving connected networks vulnerable to extended outages. The affected devices operate under the broader context of consumer-grade wireless networking equipment that serves as fundamental infrastructure components for small office and home environments. These routers typically handle network traffic routing, wireless access point functionality, and various network management tasks that are essential for maintaining connectivity within local area networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves unspecified vectors that likely encompass memory corruption, buffer overflow conditions, or improper input validation mechanisms within the router's firmware processing routines. Such flaws typically occur when the device fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming network packets or configuration parameters, allowing malicious actors to craft specific inputs that trigger abnormal system behavior. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service indicates that successful exploitation results in the router becoming unresponsive or crashing, requiring manual intervention or power cycling to restore functionality. This type of flaw aligns with common weakness patterns identified in the CWE database, particularly those related to improper input validation and memory management errors that can lead to system instability and availability disruption.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to network availability and business continuity for organizations relying on these devices. When exploited, the denial of service condition can render the wireless network inaccessible to legitimate users, potentially disrupting critical communications, internet connectivity, and connected IoT devices. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit the vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for unsecured networks. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying affected devices within their infrastructure and implementing timely firmware updates to mitigate the risk. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as initial compromise often involves establishing persistent access through denial of service conditions that may be used to disable security monitoring systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7789 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation measures to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should immediately upgrade all affected ASUS WL-330NUL devices to firmware version 3.0.0.42 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the underlying vulnerability. Network segmentation through firewall rules and access control lists can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by isolating affected devices from critical network segments. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual traffic patterns or device behavior changes may provide early warning of attempted exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499, which involves network disruption and denial of service attacks, making it a relevant consideration for security teams developing incident response procedures and threat hunting capabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and network inventory management are essential practices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire network infrastructure.