CVE-2015-8262 in WZR-600DHP2
Summary
by MITRE
Buffalo WZR-600DHP2 devices with firmware 2.09, 2.13, and 2.16 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 • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8262 affects Buffalo WZR-600DHP2 wireless routers running specific firmware versions 2.09, 2.13, and 2.16. This issue resides in the DNS query processing mechanism of the device's firmware, where the implementation of the ID field selection algorithm in DNS headers demonstrates poor cryptographic randomness. The DNS protocol relies on a 16-bit identifier field in each query packet to correlate responses with their corresponding requests, and this identifier must be unpredictable to prevent spoofing attacks. When a router uses a predictable or improperly randomized ID value, it creates a significant security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of the DNS query ID generation algorithm within the Buffalo router firmware. This vulnerability represents a direct violation of security principles for cryptographic random number generation and can be categorized under CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values. The improper algorithm allows attackers to predict the ID value that will be used in subsequent DNS queries, enabling them to inject malicious responses into the DNS resolution process. This weakness specifically impacts the integrity of DNS communications and can be exploited through techniques aligned with the ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 tactic for application layer protocol tunneling and T1566 for phishing with a fake DNS server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple DNS spoofing to potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure of affected devices. When an attacker successfully predicts the DNS query ID, they can inject false DNS responses that redirect users to malicious websites, effectively performing man-in-the-middle attacks without requiring physical access to the network. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on the router for internet connectivity, as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, financial fraud, and complete network compromise. The attack vector is entirely remote and requires no specialized equipment beyond standard network monitoring tools, making it a significant threat to any organization or individual using affected Buffalo routers. The vulnerability also impacts the trust model of DNS resolution, which is fundamental to internet security and can potentially lead to cascading effects throughout the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8262 should prioritize firmware updates from Buffalo to address the specific implementation flaw in ID value generation. Network administrators should also implement DNS security measures including DNSSEC deployment, which can provide authentication and integrity protection for DNS data, and monitor DNS query patterns for signs of spoofing attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor DNS traffic anomalies, and establishing network access controls that limit the exposure of DNS services to untrusted networks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in embedded systems and reinforces the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider implementing DNS query logging and analysis to detect potential spoofing activities and maintain audit trails of DNS resolution processes for forensic analysis purposes.