CVE-2015-7793 in CG-WLBARAGM
Summary
by MITRE
Corega CG-WLBARAGM devices provide an open proxy service, which allows remote attackers to trigger outbound network traffic via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The CVE-2015-7793 vulnerability affects Corega CG-WLBARAGM wireless access point devices that expose an open proxy service, creating a significant security risk for network environments. This flaw represents a critical configuration oversight where the device fails to properly restrict proxy functionality, allowing unauthorized remote actors to leverage the device as an intermediary for network communications. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's ability to control outbound traffic flows, potentially enabling malicious actors to use the access point as a pivot point for further network exploration or attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's default configuration that enables proxy services without proper authentication or access controls. This open proxy functionality allows remote attackers to establish connections through the device to external networks, bypassing normal network security controls. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, potentially including HTTP proxy requests, SOCKS proxy connections, or other network protocols that the device may be configured to support. This weakness aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where network resources are made available to unintended parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a potential means to conduct network reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or launch attacks against other systems. An attacker could use the open proxy to establish connections to internal systems that would otherwise be protected by firewalls or other network security controls, effectively creating a backdoor through the device. This capability enables techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1090.001 for Proxy: Internal Proxy, where attackers leverage legitimate network services to avoid detection while expanding their attack surface.
Network administrators face significant challenges when addressing this vulnerability due to the device's role as a core network infrastructure component. The open proxy service may be essential for legitimate network operations, but its exposure creates a substantial risk for organizations that rely on the device for wireless connectivity. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the proxy service when not required, configuring proper access controls, and monitoring network traffic for unusual outbound patterns that may indicate proxy usage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure device configuration management and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks in network environments. Devices that provide legitimate network services must be carefully configured to prevent unauthorized use of their capabilities, particularly when those capabilities could be leveraged to bypass network security controls. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, where network services are only enabled when required, and proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous proxy usage patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.