CVE-2016-4816 in WZR-600DHP3
Summary
by MITRE
BUFFALO WZR-600DHP3 devices with firmware 2.16 and earlier and WZR-S600DHP devices allow remote attackers to discover credentials and other sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4816 affects BUFFALO wireless routers including the WZR-600DHP3 and WZR-S600DHP models running firmware versions 2.16 and earlier. This security flaw represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system credentials and configuration data without requiring authentication. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may involve multiple attack surfaces within the router's web interface or management protocols, potentially including improper access controls, insecure configuration handling, or weak cryptographic implementations.
This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552 which covers "Unsecured Credentials." The affected devices are particularly vulnerable because they expose administrative interfaces that contain sensitive information such as login credentials, network configurations, and potentially system keys. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this weakness from outside the network perimeter, making it especially dangerous for home and small office environments where such devices are commonly deployed. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain access to administrative functions through information disclosure rather than direct exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4816 extends beyond simple credential theft, as the compromised devices could be used as entry points for further network infiltration. Attackers who obtain administrative credentials can modify router configurations, redirect traffic, install malicious firmware, or use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the local network. This vulnerability particularly affects users who have not updated their router firmware, leaving them exposed to attacks that could compromise their entire network infrastructure. The lack of authentication requirements for accessing sensitive information means that even basic network scanning tools could potentially identify and exploit this vulnerability, making it a widespread concern for affected users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from BUFFALO to address the underlying information disclosure issues. Network administrators should ensure all affected devices are updated to firmware versions that resolve this vulnerability, typically firmware releases that implement proper access controls and secure credential handling. Additional defensive measures include disabling remote administration features when not required, implementing strong network segmentation, and regularly monitoring router configurations for unauthorized changes. Security professionals should also consider deploying network monitoring tools to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify other potentially affected devices within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping network equipment firmware updated and maintaining proper security configurations to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive network resources.